U.S. extradites alleged Tren de Aragua cell leader to Chile on kidnapping-homicide charges

The Justice Department said on Friday that Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas, 40, also known as Adrian Rafael Gamez Finol and Turko, “was surrendered to Chilean authorities on Thursday” so that Chile may prosecute him on seven charges stemming from his alleged role as a leader of Los Piratas, which the department described as “the primary Chilean cell” of Tren de Aragua. The release is press release 26-994.

Chile sought extradition on one count of criminal association, two of extortion, two of unjustified firearm discharge, one of kidnapping resulting in homicide, and one of kidnapping for extortion, the department said. Chile alleges, among other things, that he directed the February 2024 kidnapping and murder in Santiago of a former lieutenant in the Venezuelan military. About a week later, the department said, citing Chilean authorities, the victim’s body was found covered in lime, concealed inside a suitcase, and buried in concrete. An autopsy determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging, and the body showed lesions consistent with torture, the department said, citing Chile. Those counts are charges. He has not been convicted of them.

Gamez Salas was convicted in February 2025 of human smuggling in Texas and pleaded guilty in April 2025 to illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas, the department said. On June 30, after he consented, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles F. Eick in the Central District of California certified the extradition to the secretary of state. The State Department then issued a surrender warrant.