In a significant law enforcement operation, Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, the reputed leader of the notorious Peruvian gang "Los Killers," was apprehended by U.S. immigration authorities in Endicott, New York, on Wednesday. Torres-Navarro, who is implicated in 23 murders in his native Peru, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and is currently being held at a federal detention facility near Buffalo, New York. His arrest underscores the international reach of criminal justice efforts and the commitment to combating transnational organized crime.
Torres-Navarro, 38, entered the United States illegally through the Texas-Mexico border on May 16, 2024. He was immediately apprehended and issued a notice to appear for immigration proceedings. The arrest was prompted by information received on July 8, revealing his fugitive status and the serious criminal charges he faces in Peru. Thomas Brophy, the director of enforcement removal operations for ICE’s Buffalo field office, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Torres-Navarro represents a significant threat to community safety.
In conjunction with Torres-Navarro’s arrest, his girlfriend, Mishelle Sol Ivanna Ortíz Ubillús, was also taken into custody. Peruvian authorities describe Ortíz Ubillús as Torres-Navarro’s significant other, lieutenant, and financial handler within "Los Killers." She is currently held at a processing center in Pennsylvania. The couple’s arrest came following an international warrant issued by Peru’s justice system on July 3, aimed at capturing them and addressing their criminal activities.
Torres-Navarro leads "Los Killers de Ventanilla y Callao," a criminal organization notorious for its brutal tactics in extortion and violence. According to Peruvian authorities, the gang has been involved in various criminal enterprises, including extorting construction companies and committing murder to maintain its dominance. Torres-Navarro allegedly fled Peru after high-profile violent incidents, including the murder of retired police officer Cesar Quegua Herrera and a shooting at a restaurant in San Miguel.
The gang’s violent actions were further compounded by recent raids in June, which resulted in the arrest of six of its members on charges including homicide, contract killing, and extortion. Torres-Navarro’s criminal history includes previous affiliations with the Los Malditos de Angamos criminal organization and a notable alias, “Gianfranco 23,” referencing the number of murders he is alleged to have committed.
Despite multiple attempts to hold him accountable, Torres-Navarro managed to evade capture until his recent arrest. In 2019, he was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison for illegal weapons possession but remained at large until 2021. His brief incarceration was followed by an acquittal and subsequent release in December of that year, after which the violence orchestrated by "Los Killers" reportedly escalated.
Ortíz Ubillús, who has been described as Torres-Navarro’s romantic partner and operational lieutenant, also gained attention through her social media presence on TikTok. Her posts flaunted a luxurious lifestyle, including designer apparel and high-end vacations, starkly contrasting with the criminal activities she was involved in. This aspect of their lives adds a layer of public intrigue to the ongoing case.
The arrest of Torres-Navarro and Ortíz Ubillús marks a critical development in the international fight against organized crime. Their apprehension reflects the collaborative efforts between U.S. and Peruvian authorities to address and dismantle global criminal networks.
