In a historic and hard-fought legal battle, a court in Arica, Chile, sentenced 34 members of Los Gallegos — a violent faction of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization — to a combined total of 560 years in prison. This verdict marked the end of a year-long trial process that brought to light the severity of the crimes committed by the group. Among those convicted were 31 Venezuelan nationals and three Chileans, found guilty of a staggering range of offenses, including drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping, homicide, and illicit association. The sentencing hearing took place under strict security measures and without media access, underscoring the gravity of the case.
The Chilean public prosecutor’s office called the trial “historic” due to its scale and complexity, involving numerous defendants and a multitude of serious charges. One of the convicted individuals received a life sentence for two homicides, along with an additional 16-year term for robbery and criminal conspiracy. Several others were handed lengthy sentences ranging from 32 to 44 years, while the remaining members faced imprisonment from 541 days to 20 years. The meticulous investigation included testimony from more than 35 witnesses, including an undercover agent, and presented over 100 wiretapped phone calls, videos, and the gang’s financial records as evidence.
Investigators revealed that Los Gallegos had established a stronghold in Arica through a three-phase expansion, using the region as a base for their criminal activities, which then spread to other parts of Chile. The group’s ties to the notorious Tren de Aragua organization were confirmed, with many Venezuelan defendants linked by familial and identity connections. Tren de Aragua operates under a feudal-like system known as “Pranato,” where members contribute a portion of their earnings — called “the cause” — to the gang, reinforcing their loyalty and funding the group’s operations.
The significance of this trial extends beyond the courtroom, as Chilean authorities view it as a major blow against transnational organized crime. Regional Prosecutor Mario Carrera stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the fight against these criminal networks. Carrera also announced plans to pursue extradition orders from the United States, Colombia, and Peru for other individuals connected to the gang, demonstrating Chile’s commitment to bringing all offenders to justice, regardless of their location.
As this chapter closes, more legal battles lie ahead. Another trial is set to begin on March 12 against 12 additional Tren de Aragua members, including key figures involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other violent crimes. With high-profile figures like Hernán “Satan” Landaeta Garlotti and Carlos “Estrella” González Vaca among the accused, the upcoming proceedings will take place virtually due to security concerns. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against organized crime and the resilience of those determined to uphold justice.