Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, a senior leader of the violent gang MS-13 and one of the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” fugitives, has been extradited from Mexico to the United States, where he now faces charges related to his involvement in numerous criminal activities.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the extradition on social media, calling it a significant step in the fight against transnational crime.
Roman-Bardales, 39, also known by the alias “Veterano de Tribus,” is accused of leading MS-13 operations across the U.S., Mexico, and El Salvador. He faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy.
Roman-Bardales is believed to have orchestrated violent actions against rival gang members and civilians, as well as coordinated drug distribution and extortion schemes. A federal arrest warrant for Roman-Bardales was issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in 2022.
The FBI has offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to his capture, and authorities have long considered him armed and dangerous.
