Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales

Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales (born December 2, 1977), also known as "Veterano de Tribus", is a Salvadoran former fugitive and an alleged senior leader of MS-13 responsible for criminal activities of the gang in the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador.

Criminal history In December 2020, Roman-Bardales was indicted along with 26 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders by the Eastern District of New York. He faces serious charges, including conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, narcoterrorism conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, and alien smuggling conspiracy.

In September 2022, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Roman-Bardales in the United States on narcoterrorism and human smuggling charges. On February 21, 2025, he was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, replacing Arnoldo Jimenez.

On March 17, 2025, Roman-Bardales was apprehended in Teocelo, Veracruz, Mexico. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort by both U.S. and Mexican authorities, who had been surveilling Roman-Bardales in the days leading up to his arrest. He was transported to Mexico City before being handed over to U.S. authorities and brought to the United States to face charges. He was arraigned in New York City on March 19, 2025.