A South American crime boss suspected of being involved in the deaths of at least 23 individuals in Peru has been apprehended in New York this week. Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, 38, and his girlfriend, Mishelle Sol Ivanna Ortíz Ubillús, were arrested, concluding an international manhunt that had caught the attention of authorities in Peru due to the violence linked to Torres-Navarro and his gang known as “Los Killers”.
Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, also referred to as “Gianfranco 23”, is the head of “Los Killers de Ventanilla y Callao”, a gang established in 2022, which is believed to have engaged in violent activities to intimidate rivals and extort construction companies in a region along Peru’s Pacific coast. His crimes have led to his alleged involvement in the deaths of 23 individuals, with their names said to be tattooed on his body.
His partner, Mishelle Ortíz Ubillús, has been described by Peru’s Public Prosecutor’s Office as Torres-Navarro’s lover, lieutenant, and financial manager. She has gained popularity on TikTok, showcasing their lavish lifestyle including expensive clothing and vacations.
Torres-Navarro entered the U.S. illegally in May near Roma, Texas, but was released with a notice to appear for immigration proceedings by Customs and Border Protection. Despite this, U.S. authorities arrested him in New York after receiving information that he was wanted in Peru.
Both Torres-Navarro and Ortíz Ubillús are currently in custody in the U.S., awaiting immigration hearings. They are likely to face deportation to Peru if not charged in the U.S. for their alleged crimes. It is revealed that Torres-Navarro has been a fugitive for years in Peru and had a previous conviction for illegal weapons possession in 2019.
In the meantime, Peruvian authorities continue to investigate the activities of Torres-Navarro’s gang, “Los Killers”, and have taken action against other members of the group earlier this year. The authorities have utilized various methods such as tracking phone calls and geolocations to gather evidence against the gang members.
The apprehension of Torres-Navarro marks a significant development in the efforts to hold him accountable for the crimes he is accused of committing in Peru. Now with both suspects in custody in the U.S., the next steps in their legal proceedings will determine their fate, whether it leads to deportation or facing justice in Peru or the United States.
