MS-13 leader known as one of the 'Devil's Twelve Apostles' arrested at Houston airport

HOUSTON – A senior leader of the infamous international gang MS-13 was arrested Sunday at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston; deal a heavy blow to the criminal organization.

Authorities tell KPRC 2 that Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, known as one of the original “Twelve Apostles of the Devil,” has been apprehended. This group expanded to 14 members, becoming known as “Ranfla Nacional”. Over the past 20 years, MS-13 has been responsible for numerous crimes, including drug trafficking and murder.

How did it happen

After being on the run for more than three years, Lopez-Larios was finally captured when he landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on June 9, 2024.

The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) collaborated in the arrest.

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He faces several charges, including supporting terrorists, financing terrorism and planning acts of violence beyond national borders. Lopez-Larios will be formally charged in New York at a later date.

“Now that Mr. Lopez-Larios is behind bars, he is no longer in his alleged position of power directing a reign of terror, nor enriching MS-13 and its cartel associates,” said Acting Deputy Director Hawkins. of the FBI. statement. “The FBI will continue to work with its partners to seek justice and find the remaining fugitives from this vicious transnational criminal enterprise. »

The Twelve Apostles of the Devil and the “Ranfla Nacional”

The “Twelve Apostles of the Devil” refers to the original founders and leaders of MS-13. These individuals played a crucial role in shaping the gang's structure, rules, and operations. Over time, as the gang became more sophisticated and organized, the leadership structure evolved into what is now known as “Ranfla Nacional”.

Under the leadership of “Ranfla Nacional”, MS-13 expanded its activities, including establishing ties with Mexican drug cartels and engaging in human trafficking and smuggling.

According to the indictment, these leaders orchestrated acts of violence, established military training camps and purchased military-grade weapons. Their operations in the United States involved extortion, drug trafficking, and violent crime, with profits going to El Salvador's leaders. Lopez-Larios, a leader for more than two decades, played a crucial role in these operations, particularly in the Eastern District of New York, where MS-13 committed numerous murders and other crimes.

Currently, MS-13 operates in a hierarchical structure, with local cliques reporting to regional leaders, who in turn coordinate with national leaders. This structure allows the gang to manage its various criminal activities in several countries.

The transformation of the “Devil's Twelve Apostles” into “Ranfla Nacional” illustrates the adaptation and growth of MS-13 as a major transnational criminal organization.

A cry for help

Two other high-ranking MS-13 members, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, remain at large. The FBI and HSI are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to their capture in order to contact authorities.