Mara Salvatrucha

Also known as: 18th Street, Mara, marabunta, MS, MS-13, Salvatrucha
Based in United StatesActive1980s-presentSourcesMS-13Mara (gang)Mara SalvatruchaMara Salvatrucha

International criminal gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. Originated in Los Angeles, California, and expanded to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Europe. Known for extensive tattoos, hand signs, and extreme violence. Engaged in drug trafficking, extortion, murder, and other crimes. Declined sharply in El Salvador after 2022 under President Nayib Bukele's crackdown.

CRIMENET has extracted 153 linkages for this organization, including 68 cooperative ties across 16 organizations, 82 conflicts across 31 organizations, 3 other connections and footprints in 20 countries.

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Footprint abroad 20

1
AustraliaPresence
MS-13 operations exist in Australia according to a district attorney.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
2
CanadaPresence
MS-13 members are in Canada seeking refugee status and working there.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
3
ColombiaPresence
MS-13 operations exist in Colombia according to a district attorney.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
4
CubaPresence
MS-13 operations exist in Cuba according to a district attorney.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
5
EcuadorPresence
MS-13 operations exist in Ecuador according to a district attorney.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
6
EgyptPresence
MS-13 operations exist in Egypt according to a district attorney.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
7
El SalvadorPresence
MS-13 established itself in El Salvador after deported gangsters faced little opposition, and it became a significant arms trafficker there.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
8
FrancePresence
MS-13 operations exist in France according to a district attorney.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
9
GuatemalaPresence
MS-13 is strongest in the Northern Triangle countries including Guatemala.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
10
HondurasPresence
MS-13 is strongest in the Northern Triangle countries including Honduras.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
11
MexicoPresence
MS-13 expanded significantly in Mexico at the direction of Ranfla Nacional.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
12
PeruPresence
MS-13 operations exist in Peru according to a district attorney.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
13
SpainPresence
MS-13 operated five cliques in Spain, supported by El Salvador leadership.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
14
BelizePresence
Belize is listed among the most affected countries by the organization.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
15
GermanyPresence
The organization has territory in Germany.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
16
ItalyPresence
The organization expanded into Italy.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
17
NicaraguaPresence
The organization has territory in Nicaragua.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
18
PortugalPresence
The organization expanded into Portugal.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
19
VenezuelaPresence
The organization has territory in Venezuela.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha
20
ArgentinaPresence
Groups linked to MS-13 have been reported in Argentina.
Sources: MS-13, Mara (gang), Mara Salvatrucha