Colombian president confirms capture of 'Nairobi', key Tren de Aragua leader in Peru

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the arrest of Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto, also known as 'Páez' or 'Nairobi', in Bogotá's Fontibón district. Pérez Nieto is identified as a key figure and one of the main leaders of the Tren de Aragua, a powerful criminal organization with origins in Venezuela, operating significantly in Peru.

Authorities allege that 'Nairobi' played a crucial role in orchestrating a range of illicit activities, including extortion rackets, international arms trafficking, contract killings, and drug smuggling. These operations reportedly spanned strategic corridors across South and Central America. Additionally, U.S. authorities had issued warrants for his arrest in connection with these serious crimes.

Pérez Nieto was considered a trusted associate of the former top leader of Tren de Aragua, alias 'Niño Guerrero', who was reportedly killed in June 2026 after evading capture for three years. The detention of 'Nairobi' represents another major setback for the transnational criminal network.

President de la Espriella stated that Colombia remains committed to pursuing members of transnational criminal enterprises, emphasizing that the country will not serve as a safe haven for individuals involved in illegal activities. The capture is seen as a significant success in regional efforts to dismantle organized crime networks.

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Colombia will pursue members of transnational crime and assure that the country will not be a refuge for people linked to criminal activities.