Abstract

JASSO GONZALEZ, Carolina  and  BALTAZAR LANDEROS, Edgar. The politicisation of gang leadership. The case of the MS-13 National Gang (2012-2024). Rev. Crim. [online]. 2025, vol.67, n.1, pp.43-58.  Epub Apr 18, 2025. ISSN 1794-3108.  https://doi.org/10.47741/17943108.650.

This article analyses the politicisation process of the members of the Ranfla Nacional, the leadership structure of the transnational gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Based on the analysis of primary and secondary sources, the research seeks to identify the key moments and conditions that have enabled the transformation of these criminal actors into political actors. The analysis contrasts evidence of negotiations between the Salvadoran government and the gangs in two periods: during the government of Mauricio Funes (2012-2013) and during the government of Nayib Bukele (2019 and 2022). As well as the progress of the judicial process against gang leaders in the United States in 2023 and 2024. Theoretically, the case is examined in light of debates on the relationship between transnational organised crime (TOC) and state-building processes.

Keywords : Transnational gangs; negotiation; transnational organised crime; criminal actors; state.

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