| Published May 6, 2025
The U.S. government has renewed its commitment to dismantling transnational criminal organizations by reissuing a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, also known as “Porky.” As the alleged leader of the MS-13 gang in Honduras, Archaga Carías has been a significant figure in orchestrating violent crimes and drug trafficking operations that extend into the United States.
A Renewed Pursuit: $5 Million Reward for MS-13 Leader
On April 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the reinstatement of a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Archaga Carías. This move underscores the government’s intensified efforts to apprehend one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, who has eluded capture since his addition to the list in 2021.
Archaga Carías is accused of directing MS-13’s criminal activities in Honduras, including drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, and murder. He allegedly played a central role in transporting large quantities of cocaine into the U.S., coordinating with drug trafficking organizations, supplying firearms, and contracting gang members as hitmen.
MS-13: A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization
The Trump administration’s classification of MS-13 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization has amplified the urgency to dismantle its operations. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the national security threat posed by Archaga Carías, stating, “This terrorist leader can no longer be allowed to live free.”
The Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program supports this initiative, offering financial incentives to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of transnational organized crime figures like Archaga Carías.
Archaga Carías was hit with federal charges out of New York in 2021.US Dept of State INL
A Call to Action
The renewed reward serves as a call to action for the international community and individuals who may possess information about Archaga Carías’s whereabouts. The U.S. government urges anyone with relevant information to come forward, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in combating transnational crime and ensuring justice.
The recent $5 million reward offering for information leading to the capture of MS-13 leader Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, a top fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, brings both advantages and challenges. Here are some pros and cons of this strategy:
Pros:
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Incentivizes Cooperation:
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The $5 million reward serves as a strong motivator for individuals with knowledge of Archaga Carías’s whereabouts to come forward. The financial incentive could encourage people to provide crucial information.
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Disrupts Transnational Crime Networks:
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Targeting high-ranking gang leaders like Archaga Carías disrupts not only MS-13 but also the broader network of drug trafficking, violence, and organized crime that impacts both the U.S. and international communities.
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Strengthens National Security:
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By capturing a leader involved in organized criminal activities and linked to terrorism, this initiative contributes to the overall security of the United States and helps reduce the threat posed by MS-13.
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Global Collaboration:
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The reward might encourage international collaboration between governments and law enforcement agencies, creating a stronger network to tackle global criminal organizations.
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Encourages Justice:
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Apprehending criminals like Archaga Carías allows for legal action to be taken, ensuring that victims of violence and other crimes get justice.
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Cons:
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Reward Exploitation Risk:
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There’s a potential risk that individuals might falsely claim to have information to claim the reward, leading to false leads and wasted resources.
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Targeting Vulnerable Communities:
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In some regions, people may be coerced or manipulated by MS-13 into remaining silent or providing misinformation. The fear of retaliation could make it difficult for individuals to come forward.
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Escalation of Violence:
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The capture of a high-profile gang leader could lead to an escalation of violence, as other members of MS-13 or rival gangs may retaliate, putting innocent lives at risk.
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Difficulty in Locating a Fugitive:
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Despite the reward, finding someone who has managed to evade capture for years can be extremely difficult, especially in countries where MS-13 has significant influence.
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Resource Allocation:
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A program offering large rewards could divert resources away from other crime prevention or social programs. It could also lead to overreliance on rewards rather than systemic solutions to tackle gang violence and organized crime.
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Conclusion
The U.S. government’s $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of MS-13 leader Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías is a strategic move aimed at dismantling dangerous criminal networks and enhancing national security. The initiative leverages financial incentives to encourage public cooperation, potentially disrupting transnational crime, reducing gang violence, and providing justice to victims. However, challenges such as the potential for false claims, retaliation against informants, and escalating violence must be carefully managed.
Ultimately, while the reward program presents significant advantages in targeting high-profile fugitives, its success depends on a balanced approach that incorporates both immediate incentives and long-term strategies to address the root causes of organized crime.
SOURCES: ZEROHEDGE – US Government Offers $5 Million For Capture Of MS-13 Leader, FBI Top 10 Fugitive
NEWSWEEK – Trump Admin Offers $5 Million for Anyone Who Helps Capture MS-13 Leader
HOMELAND SECURITY TODAY – U.S. Offers Up to $5 Million Reward for Capture of MS-13 Leader and Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive
THE NEW YORK POST – Trump admin reups $5M reward for capture of MS-13 kingpin: ‘Turn him in. End this threat’
CHANNEL 5 BELIZE – US Offers $5 Million Reward for MS-13 Gang Leader
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