El Salvador’s Expanded Security Cabinet has confirmed the dismantling of a newly forming gang known as La Raza Estudiantil, composed of students from several national schools and allegedly engaged in counterfeiting, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. The arrests follow a coordinated investigation led by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and the National Civil Police (PNC), revealing the existence of a criminal network operating within the educational system.
According to the FGR, 48 individuals were arrested on June 24, including 14 minors. The suspects were enrolled in the General Francisco Menéndez Institute (Inframen), the Albert Camus National Institute, and the National Technical Industrial Institute (INTI). The group had reportedly established a gang-like structure with defined roles and a hierarchy, mimicking traditional gang operations.
“One of the criminal activities we have detected is the counterfeiting and alteration of currency, which they distributed among informal businesses to exchange for legal tender,” said Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado. He also noted that authorities are pursuing charges for drug sales, sexual assault, and threats.
Disturbing allegations include sexual offenses against female students inside school restrooms. “These individuals lured victims into secluded areas while others distracted or misled teachers or classmates who attempted to intervene,” Delgado explained.
Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro emphasized the seriousness of the group’s organization: “This behavior is characteristic of a gang. There are hierarchical levels, and those who wished to join were instructed to commit specific crimes such as retail drug sales.”
The investigation spanned over six months and culminated in the coordinated arrests. Minister Villatoro also refuted claims from opposition groups suggesting that minors are being unfairly targeted. “Of the 48 individuals arrested, 34 are adults. The evidence shows this is not an attack on youth, but a legitimate security operation against criminal behavior.”
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal structures, regardless of where they emerge, and called on communities to support efforts to protect schools from infiltration by gang elements.