10/7-10/13 News Roundup

A member of the Trinitarios gang was found guilty of murdering a confidential informant, as announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. The defendant, a high-ranking member of the gang, was convicted after a trial that revealed his involvement in the 2016 killing of the informant, who was cooperating with law enforcement. The evidence presented in court illustrated the defendant's role in orchestrating the murder in retaliation for the informant's cooperation with authorities. US Attorney's Office

In Ecuador, authorities arrested a former presidential candidate, Abdalá Bucaram, in connection with the assassination of a political rival, Xavier Santos. Bucaram, a flamboyant figure known as the "Crazy Horse," was detained amid a wave of violence in Ecuadorian prisons, which claimed the lives of at least 150 inmates in just one week. The killings were believed to be linked to disputes between rival gangs vying for control within the prison system, prompting concerns about the state of security and criminal influence in Ecuadorian penitentiaries. Bucaram's arrest added a new dimension to the political turmoil in Ecuador, reflecting the intertwined challenges of crime, corruption, and political power in the country. NY Times

A proposed United Nations resolution seeks to sanction a top Haitian gang chief in response to escalating violence and instability in the country. The resolution aims to target Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," who leads a powerful gang involved in criminal activities, including kidnappings and killings. If passed, the resolution would impose sanctions on Cherizier, including asset freezes and travel bans, signaling international efforts to hold key figures accountable for perpetuating violence in Haiti. AP News

Sweden's police chief has described the escalation in gang violence as "extremely serious." The country has seen a surge in shootings and explosions, predominantly linked to criminal gangs. The police are intensifying efforts to combat gang-related violence, but the situation underscores the significant challenges posed by organized crime in Sweden and the urgent need for effective strategies to address the root causes of gang violence. AP News

El Salvador has deployed 4,000 security forces into three communities to pursue gang members as part of a crackdown on organized crime. The operation, known as "Safe El Salvador," aims to dismantle gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18, which are blamed for much of the country's violence. AP News