Welcome to El Salvador Welcome to El Salvador on behalf of on behalf of USMILGPUSMILGP--ESES

This briefing is unclassifiedThis briefing is unclassified

SFC Quintero, LeoSFC Quintero, LeoAntiAnti--terrorism Officerterrorism Officer 8 Jan 20078 Jan 2007

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As the USDR, COL Santiago is the FP Officer for El Salvador As the USDR, COL Santiago is the FP Officer for El Salvador and has appointed SFC Quintero as the MILGP FPO/ATO and has appointed SFC Quintero as the MILGP FPO/ATO

and assigned FP responsibilities for the security/FP of DOD and assigned FP responsibilities for the security/FP of DOD personnel inpersonnel in--transit or TDY in El Salvador.transit or TDY in El Salvador.

Welcome to El Salvador on behalf of COL Welcome to El Salvador on behalf of COL Santiago, MILGP CDR/USDR.Santiago, MILGP CDR/USDR.

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AgendaAgendaHistoryHistoryPresence of Gangs in El SalvadorPresence of Gangs in El SalvadorCriminal ActivitiesCriminal ActivitiesStructure / Chain of CommandStructure / Chain of CommandCommunicationCommunication

18st Written Communication18st Written CommunicationHand Signal CommunicationHand Signal CommunicationGRAFFITISGRAFFITISTattoosTattoos

SumarySumaryQuestionsQuestions / / CommentsComments

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HistoryHistory

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Street Gangs in El SalvadorStreet Gangs in El Salvador

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HistoryHistory

MarasMaras emerged out of the conflicts during the 1970s emerged out of the conflicts during the 1970s & 80s in Central America. In the context of the wars & 80s in Central America. In the context of the wars and insurgencies in El Salvador, Guatemala, and and insurgencies in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, thousands of people, including young Nicaragua, thousands of people, including young men fled North, many which had training on guns as men fled North, many which had training on guns as well as armed combat techniques.well as armed combat techniques.In Los Angeles they encountered rejection by other In Los Angeles they encountered rejection by other Hispanic communities and found it difficult to find Hispanic communities and found it difficult to find work and socialize; a percentage of these young work and socialize; a percentage of these young men, especially those from El Salvador where part of men, especially those from El Salvador where part of the insurgency/ civil war back home and joined the the insurgency/ civil war back home and joined the 18th Street Gang from LA, which was started by 18th Street Gang from LA, which was started by Mexicans and expanded to other Hispanics, AfricanMexicans and expanded to other Hispanics, African--Americans, and Asians. Americans, and Asians. SalvadoriansSalvadorians founded the Mara Salvatrucha, to founded the Mara Salvatrucha, to compete with the former, considering the compete with the former, considering the Salvadorans in 18st and other gangs in the barrios of Salvadorans in 18st and other gangs in the barrios of Los Angeles traitors. Los Angeles traitors.

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History History (Cont)(Cont)

They gave themselves the number thirteen, in line with They gave themselves the number thirteen, in line with 13th. Street. Like in the past currently most 13th. Street. Like in the past currently most marasmaras are are involved in criminal activities in one form or another. When involved in criminal activities in one form or another. When they get caught in these acts they are sent to prison. In they get caught in these acts they are sent to prison. In prison these gang members further define their criminal prison these gang members further define their criminal tactics and networks.tactics and networks.

The terms The terms pandillaspandillas and and clicasclicas are often used are often used interchangeably. All interchangeably. All marasmaras are are pandillaspandillas but not vice versa. but not vice versa. Mara Salvatrucha, or MSMara Salvatrucha, or MS--13, already fully formed in Los 13, already fully formed in Los Angeles, was established in San Salvador in 1992 by the Angeles, was established in San Salvador in 1992 by the clicasclicas (cliques, cells, or groups) deported from the United (cliques, cells, or groups) deported from the United States and replacing earlier, less violent, and less States and replacing earlier, less violent, and less sophisticated gangs. Msophisticated gangs. M--18 was established in El Salvador 18 was established in El Salvador in 1996 with three in 1996 with three clicasclicas. Today both . Today both marasmaras are spread are spread across all departments. across all departments.

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History History (Cont)(Cont)

In El Salvador there are approximately 11,000 active members In El Salvador there are approximately 11,000 active members divided among MSdivided among MS--13 (7,000), M13 (7,000), M--18 (4,000), and others (200). 18 (4,000), and others (200). According to the PNC, the membership numbers for all the countriAccording to the PNC, the membership numbers for all the countries es in the region are as follows: Honduras (36,000 in 112 groups); in the region are as follows: Honduras (36,000 in 112 groups); Guatemala (14,000 in 434 groups); El Salvador (11,000 in 4); Guatemala (14,000 in 434 groups); El Salvador (11,000 in 4); Nicaragua (4,500 in 268); Costa Rica (2,700 in 6); Panama (1,400Nicaragua (4,500 in 268); Costa Rica (2,700 in 6); Panama (1,400 in in 94); and Belize (100 in 2 groups), for a regional total of 69,1494); and Belize (100 in 2 groups), for a regional total of 69,145 in 5 in 920 groups. MS920 groups. MS--13 and M13 and M--18 are found in all but Costa Rica and 18 are found in all but Costa Rica and Panama. Panama.

ThereThere are, in are, in additionaddition, , othersothers in in thethe differentdifferent countriescountries: Costa Rica : Costa Rica (Los Chapulines); Guatemala (Los Cholos, Los (Los Chapulines); Guatemala (Los Cholos, Los NicasNicas, , andand Los Los Batos Locos); El Salvador (La Batos Locos); El Salvador (La MaoMao MaoMao, La Maquina, , La Maquina, andand othersothers); ); Honduras (La Honduras (La MaoMao MaoMao, Los Batos locos, , Los Batos locos, andand Los Los RockerosRockeros); ); Nicaragua (Nicaragua (GerberGerber BoysBoys andand Los Los CharlyCharly). ). The The marasmaras are not only a are not only a Central America regional phenomenon; rather they are Central America regional phenomenon; rather they are transnational. The MStransnational. The MS--13, for example, reportedly has 20,000 13, for example, reportedly has 20,000 members in the United States and 4,000 members in Canada, for a members in the United States and 4,000 members in Canada, for a total of 96,000 in the hemisphere. It shouldn’t be surprising thtotal of 96,000 in the hemisphere. It shouldn’t be surprising that the at the numbers are variable. Mara membership is dynamic and censusnumbers are variable. Mara membership is dynamic and census--taking is rudimentary. taking is rudimentary.

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Presence Of Gangs Presence Of Gangs In El SalvadorIn El Salvador

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UNCLASSIFIED Presence Of Gangs In El Presence Of Gangs In El

SalvadorSalvador

NICARAGUANICARAGUA

Exists an approximate of Exists an approximate of 11,58411,584racketeers and racketeers and 375375 identified identified clicasclicas

at the national level.at the national level.

NOMBRE CANTIDAD SIMBOLOGIA

MS13

18

MAO MAO

OTRAS

7321

4117

30

116CHALATENANGOCHALATENANGO

LA LIBERTADLA LIBERTAD

SANTA ANASANTA ANA

SONSONATESONSONATE

AHUACHAPÁNAHUACHAPÁNCUSCATLÁNCUSCATLÁN

CABAÑASCABAÑAS

SAN VICENTESAN VICENTE

LA PAZLA PAZ

USULUTÁNUSULUTÁN

SAN MIGUELSAN MIGUEL

MORAZÁNMORAZÁN

LA UNIÓNLA UNIÓN

HONDURASHONDURASGUATEMALAGUATEMALA

GeoGeo 20,720 20,720 km2km2

SAN SALVADORSAN SALVADOR

Courtesy of the PNCCourtesy of the PNC

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04Dec02 10Dec02

15Dec02

13Jan03 04Jul03 13Mar03

09Mar0309Mar03

12Jul03

14Aug03

31/01/03 07/02/03 28/02/03 16/03/03

TheseThese Are Are SomeSome SamplesSamples OfOfHomicideHomicide Cases In El SalvadorCases In El Salvador

31Jan03

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CONSOLIDATED LIST OF “PANDILLEROS” CONSOLIDATED LIST OF “PANDILLEROS” AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL

GANGGANG MEMBERSMEMBERS

BYBY REGIONREGION MS13MS13 1818 MAO MAO MAOMAO MÁQUINAMÁQUINA 1414 MIRADA MIRADA

LOCALOCA MUROMURO FAMILIA FAMILIA UNIDAUNIDA

TOTALTOTAL

METROPOLITANMETROPOLITAN 19231923 13761376 3030 1616 2020

2020

33653365

WESTERNWESTERN 15251525 11201120

ORIENTALORIENTAL 14811481 277277 2525 2525 3030 18381838

26452645

PARACENTRALPARACENTRAL 12071207 922922 21292129

CENTRALCENTRAL 11851185 422422 16071607

TOTALTOTAL 73217321 41174117 3030 1616 30302525 2525 1158411584

In 2006 the approximately amount of gang members in country In 2006 the approximately amount of gang members in countryis of is of 11,58411,584.

.

PNC reports a total of PNC reports a total of 16,80016,800 POs, with approximately 5,000 POs, with approximately 5,000 on duty at any given time (In country).on duty at any given time (In country).

Courtesy of the RSOCourtesy of the RSO

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CONSOLIDATION OF “CLICAS” AT THE CONSOLIDATION OF “CLICAS” AT THE NATIONAL LEVELNATIONAL LEVEL

CLICASBY REGION

MS13 18 MAO MAO MÁQUINA 14 MIRADA

LOCA MURO FAMILIA UNIDA

TOTAL

METROPOLITAN 71 46 1 1 1

1

120WESTERN 50 39

ORIENTAL 32 13 1 1 1 48

89PARACENTRAL 49 28 77

CENTRAL 32 9 41TOTAL 234 135 1 1 11 1 375

Courtesy of the RSOCourtesy of the RSO

GangGang

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Mara Mara Criminal ActivitiesCriminal Activities

“This Portion Of The Briefing Contains “This Portion Of The Briefing Contains Very Strong Pictures”Very Strong Pictures”

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Mara Criminal ActivitiesMara Criminal Activities

From the available data, it appears that virtually everything thFrom the available data, it appears that virtually everything the e marasmaras do is do is criminal activity. This was the case even before El Salvador andcriminal activity. This was the case even before El Salvador and Honduras Honduras passed laws over the past three years making membership in a passed laws over the past three years making membership in a maramaraagainst the law. Summaries from the PNC in El Salvador list the against the law. Summaries from the PNC in El Salvador list the following following activities as defining for the activities as defining for the marasmaras: Selling drugs; extortion; prostitution; : Selling drugs; extortion; prostitution; homicide; and illegal movement of drugs, people, and arms acrosshomicide; and illegal movement of drugs, people, and arms across borders. borders.

The most recent PNC document, from Aug 2006, notes that the two The most recent PNC document, from Aug 2006, notes that the two major major sources of income are the drug trade and extortions. Their strucsources of income are the drug trade and extortions. Their structures are tures are elaborate, flexible, and redundant with a leadership cadre and aelaborate, flexible, and redundant with a leadership cadre and another to nother to back it up. They can function as networks, with extensive transnback it up. They can function as networks, with extensive transnational ational linkages. Their internal functions include recruiting, logisticslinkages. Their internal functions include recruiting, logistics, attacks, , attacks, intelligence (collecting and propaganda), and activities includintelligence (collecting and propaganda), and activities including murders, ing murders, drugs, extortions, and others.drugs, extortions, and others.

There are approximately 10There are approximately 10--12 homicides per month in El Salvador and is 12 homicides per month in El Salvador and is presently the most dangerous country in Central and South Americpresently the most dangerous country in Central and South America and 5a and 5thth

World Wide as you will see in the following slides. World Wide as you will see in the following slides.

This is what makes El Salvador a “This is what makes El Salvador a “DOS Critical Crime Post”DOS Critical Crime Post”..

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LibertadLibertad Park (2002)Park (2002)

XVIII = 18XVIII = 18thth St. GangSt. Gang

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12 Jul 200312 Jul 2003

Los Magueyes, Los Magueyes, AhuachapanAhuachapan

Victim # 1Victim # 1

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Los Magueyes, Ahuachapan

Victim # 2Victim # 2

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Road to Planes de Road to Planes de RenderosRenderos(Nov 2005)(Nov 2005)

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Gang Structure/Chain OfCommand

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LeaderLeader ofof thethe ClicaClica

SurveillanceSurveillance TeamTeam

ProteccionProteccion TeamTeam

HardHard CoreTeamCoreTeam

GangsGangs Basic Basic StructureStructure ModelModel

LogisticsLogistics TeamTeam

RestRest ofof thethe GangGang MembersMembers

2º 2º LeaderLeader

Staff TeamStaff Team

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Carlos Ernesto Mojica Lechuga (a) Viejo Link

ZACATECOLUCA Prison

Edgar Mauricio Ramos Galdamez (a) Diablo

Raúl Fernando Wilber Hernández Castillo

(a) Pelón Lonly o OnlyMontano O Pelón

(a) MuertoPalabrero

Parque Libertad

(a) Seas òWickeend

Apopa

(a) Payaso o Clown

San Martín

(a) Nube nudo

(a) Cobre

CHALATENANGO Prison

Geovany Alexis Vásquez (a) Crazy

Julio Cesar Marroquín Molina (a) Bicho Enco

(a) CucheCom. Los Santos

(a) Chino TresColas

(a) GeneralSan Ramón

(a) TranquiloSan Francisco

(a) Relojeroo trons

(a) MorenoSanta Anita

(a) Spanky, SnarAmatepec

José Ricardo Rivas Pineda

(a) Pavo

GangsGangs fromfrom SoyapangoSoyapango, , El SalvadorEl Salvador

Zacamil, IberiaLas Palmas; San José Cortés de Ciudad Delgado

- Provide Weapons- Provide Safeheaven

Provide Weapons

PUESTOMERCADO NEGRO

Weapons

(a) PucciColonia San José I y Renta R- 41ª

(a) Duende Altavista

(a) Franco, SkypiCol. Santa Anita

1818thth StSt. . SoyapangoSoyapango, San Salvador., San Salvador.

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Staff CLICA FLS

Moisés Chicas Pérez (a) Dandy

(a) Chepe Remiendo

Jairo Javier Blanco (a)

Jerry

Esmeralda Navas

LAS PELOTAS delincuential structure

Jorge Luís Roque Ramos

(a) Donky

Mario Edgardo García Álvarez

(a) Máquina

Alex Mauricio Laínez Chicas

(a) Cuzuco

Elmer Wilian Velásquez

Roque (a) Spay

Denis Alberto H. Sosa (a)

Cherenqueca o Enano

FultonFulton Clicas (FULTON LOCOS SALVATRUCHOS) Clicas (FULTON LOCOS SALVATRUCHOS) PANDILLA MSPANDILLA MS

COL. MILAGRO DE LA PAZ, SAN MIGUEL COL. MILAGRO DE LA PAZ, SAN MIGUEL

José Virgilio Girón Vásquez

(a) Chiqui

José Antonio Tejada Inglés

Carlos Humberto Martínez Granados

(a) Player

Sale COCAIN and CRAK

Guadalupe Navas

Gladis NavasJosé Wilmer Berríos Velásquez (a) Sneyk

José Alexander Ramírez (a)

Júnior

Nelson Mauricio Cortez Cruz (a)

Negro

José Omar Chavarría Díaz

(a) Fulgor

Roberto Carlos Ferrufino Villatoro

(a) Negro

Nelson Nehemías Berríos Velásquez

(a) Nelson

Roberto Carlos Cáceres (a)

Pequeño

Franklin Edenilson Iglesias Orellana

(a) Kiwi

Mario de Jesús Coreas Mejia (a)

Pequeño

Rigoberto Argueta Argueta

(a) Draky

José Luís González Campos

(a) Delinller

Eric González Hernández (a)

Pequeño

José Jeremías Sánchez Cortez

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StructureStructure ofof thethe APLS MSAPLS MS--13 13 GangGang fromfromAPOPAAPOPA

JORGE ANTONIO FLORES CORTEZ (a)

PISPILETA

Detained for homicide ofWILLIAN RIGOBERTO T. LONLY Leader of 18st, 10-07-03, in Apopa

Transfer of money to PAVAS

In charge of moving money back/toPISPILETA Y A PAVAS

Sergio Abraham

Sosa

Tacua

Amigo

Cuto

RICARDO

Flaco

Wester

Blaki Chanel

Bacha Cheyo

Sapo Sapo Moco

Coralillo Seven Emerson Coreas Mulato

Cortez

JOSE LUIS MENDOZA FIGUEROA (a) PAVAS

Transfer of money to PISPILETAS

Negra PatataOyuki ThunderWesterPatata Trupy Pipiripao

Transfer ofmoney to the

leaders

LEYENDA

Negra Snart Burgos Julio SnupPinocho MaletaCoralillo ChurrutacaCuzuquin Kike

Drugs sale Team OPS TeamArmed Robbery, etc. Extorsion Team Apopa

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Gang StructureGang Structure

Even though some of the local gangs are structured in Even though some of the local gangs are structured in such as organized way in San Salvador, it does not such as organized way in San Salvador, it does not mean that all gangs are organized the same way.mean that all gangs are organized the same way.

Because they are well organized, the Salvadorian PNC Because they are well organized, the Salvadorian PNC recognize them and name them “organized Crime”, as recognize them and name them “organized Crime”, as such they may fall under a different level of punishment such they may fall under a different level of punishment under the law depending on the crime committed.under the law depending on the crime committed.

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This Alphabet is only use by Mara 18

6

.

.. .DCBA E

%+M

ZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF

#

Ñ

.

WrittenWritten CommunicationCommunication

This alphabet was created by the main leader of the Gang MThis alphabet was created by the main leader of the Gang M--18, while he was 18, while he was inside a penitentiary of maximum security. It was found during ainside a penitentiary of maximum security. It was found during a search of a house search of a house of a member of 18th Street in the City of of a member of 18th Street in the City of IlopangoIlopango, San Salvador. Which is used so , San Salvador. Which is used so

far by all the members of the Gang 18.far by all the members of the Gang 18.

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UNA WILLA

LYN

Original Letter Written by Lyn Original Letter Written by Lyn ((LdrLdr of 18of 18thth St.)St.)

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PARA: EL DIABLO Y EL PAYASO Y LOS PARA: EL DIABLO Y EL PAYASO Y LOS DEMAS DEMAS

PALABREROS DE PALABREROS DE CHALATE CITYCHALATE CITY..

YA ESTAMOS EN EL JUEGO DE YA ESTAMOS EN EL JUEGO DE LA CHIMLA CHIM--

BOMBA. ASI QUE LA CHACHA ESTA A S BOMBA. ASI QUE LA CHACHA ESTA A S I :I :

C A R N A L I T O S YC A R N A L I T O S YOO HOMEBOYS TENGO ALGOHOMEBOYS TENGO ALGO

PARA EL 25 DE DICIEMBRE. MIREN PARA EL 25 DE DICIEMBRE. MIREN PERROSPERROS

LA HLA HOONDA DE LOS QUE SE VAN A QUEBRARNDA DE LOS QUE SE VAN A QUEBRAR

ESE P I Q U E E LL O S Y A SAESE P I Q U E E LL O S Y A SABBEN QUE PEDO EN QUE PEDO

Translation into 18 St. AlphabetTranslation into 18 St. Alphabet

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SON M I S I O N SON M I S I O N E E S DESDE EL M O M E N T O QUES DESDE EL M O M E N T O QUE

ESTEN AFUERAESTEN AFUERA

OTRA ONDA C A R N A L E S QUIOTRA ONDA C A R N A L E S QUIEERO QUE A COMO DERO QUE A COMO DE

LUGAR SE LUGAR SE HHAGAN P R E S E N T E AQUÍ YA QUEAGAN P R E S E N T E AQUÍ YA QUE

SE SE HHAN QUEBRADO UN PIQUE DE METERSEAN QUEBRADO UN PIQUE DE METERSE

A LA CASA DE LA A LA CASA DE LA SSECA. E LL O S S O N DE ECA. E LL O S S O N DE

LA SAN A N D R E S Y LA TACA DELA SAN A N D R E S Y LA TACA DE E LL O SE LL O S

S O N: EL FRANK, RECORD Y EL S O N: EL FRANK, RECORD Y EL G R E Ñ A S G R E Ñ A S

Translation into 18 St. AlphabetTranslation into 18 St. Alphabet

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ASI QUE VEAN COMO HACEN PARA UBICARLOS

AQUÍ ESTA ES M I S I O N C A R N A L E S

LA F E R I A QUE SE LLEVARON S O N 350

DOLARES. O R A L E C A R N A L I T O S LA DIECIOCHO

EN GRANDE HASTA QUE LA MALDITA MUERTE

N O S S E P A R E

A T T E. L Y N Y T O D A LA RAZA DE

G O T E R A.

Translation into 18 St. Alphabet

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Hand Signal CommunicationHand Signal Communication

Apopa Penitentiary

Soyapango Penitentiary

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HandHand SignalSignal CommunicationCommunication

Gang members use a mimic language to communicate, making constanGang members use a mimic language to communicate, making constant use t use of the fingers of the hands to elaborate the letters or other owof the fingers of the hands to elaborate the letters or other own symbols. It is a n symbols. It is a universal language inside the gangs. universal language inside the gangs.

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MS

HandHand SignalSignal CommunicationCommunication

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GraffitistGraffitist

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GRAFFITISGRAFFITISTo define their territories, the members of gangs use graffitistTo define their territories, the members of gangs use graffitists that elaborate in s that elaborate in

visible public places. These have different meanings that can govisible public places. These have different meanings that can go from the name of from the name of the gang to racketeers that have died. the gang to racketeers that have died.

DifferentDifferent GraffitisGraffitis in in partsparts ofof San SalvadorSan Salvador

FaceFace: : meansmeans femalefemalethatthat waswas partpart ofof thisthisganggangMS: MS: meansmeans thatthat sheshewaswas in MSin MS--1313TheThe wallwall: : meansmeans thatthatsheshe dieddied insideinside a a househouse..

HOME BOY CRY HOME BOY CRY LAYDER: LAYDER: thethenamename ofof a local a local ganggang thatthat control control thatthat partpart ofof twontwon..

TheThe twotwo facesfaces ofoflivelive meansmeans totolaughlaugh andand crycry..

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TheseThese GraffittisGraffittis are made in are made in memorymemoryofof ganggang membersmembers thatthat havehave dieddied..

Cross: means in memory of a dead Cross: means in memory of a dead racketeer; usually the alias of the racketeer; usually the alias of the deceased, date of death and deceased, date of death and clicaclica

are posted in the cross.are posted in the cross.

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TattoosTattoos

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TattoosTattoos

Devil Devil -- 666666

GangsterGangster

In memory In memory of, of, clicaclicaand date of and date of death.death. Two faces Two faces

of lifeof life

Prison Prison fencefence

-- In memory of In memory of

-- wall of the prisonwall of the prison

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Two Hands Meaning: wellTwo Hands Meaning: well--known as the known as the Saint, it symbolizes the pardon that is Saint, it symbolizes the pardon that is requested to the mother for his/her crazy life, requested to the mother for his/her crazy life, it sometimes accompanies him with the it sometimes accompanies him with the legend “FORGIVE ME to MAKE YOU legend “FORGIVE ME to MAKE YOU SUFFER”. AND other similar words asking SUFFER”. AND other similar words asking for forgiveness to the mother.for forgiveness to the mother.

It symbolizes the Sun and a It symbolizes the Sun and a new day of life that it lights new day of life that it lights themthem

ToTo raffleraffle GangGang 1818

CLOWN: Means the two faces of CLOWN: Means the two faces of life, to Laugh and to crylife, to Laugh and to cry

TattoosTattoos

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This tattoo is denominated the three points of the crazy life This tattoo is denominated the three points of the crazy life of a racketeer, that which can take him/her to the jail, to of a racketeer, that which can take him/her to the jail, to the hospital or the cemetery, it can be in several parts of the hospital or the cemetery, it can be in several parts of the body.the body.

TattoosTattoos

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DeathDeath

FaceFace ofof a a womanwomanmeansmeans thethe picturepicture ofofhishis wifewife

GangGang initialsinitials MSMS

thethe Pavo Real Pavo Real meansmeans thethe pridepride ofofthethe ganggang membermemberMSMSTheThe drawndrawn ofof a a femalefemale withwith a a bandanabandana meansmeans thatthatsheshe waswas thethe girlgirl ofofthethe ganggang membermembernownow deaddead..

TheThe BandanaBandana meansmeans thethecolor color ofof a particular a particular ganggangoror relates relates toto specificspecific ganggangduedue toto writingwriting onon itit..

TheThe calendar calendar meansmeansthethe time time thatthat thisthis ganggangmembermember waswasencarceratedencarcerated (1999 (1999 ––2000)2000)

TattoosTattoos

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TattoosTattoos

Girlfriend or WifeGirlfriend or Wife

Prison BarsPrison Bars

Time spent in PrisonTime spent in Prison

Time of life that can be short or longTime of life that can be short or long

In memory of a friend or relativeIn memory of a friend or relative

In some gangs the spider web can In some gangs the spider web can mean the time spent in prisonmean the time spent in prison

Feeling of freedom Feeling of freedom

Girlfriend or WifeGirlfriend or Wife

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TattoosTattoos

TillTill--drops in the back of drops in the back of the arm means: Don’t the arm means: Don’t trust anyonetrust anyone

Ace card means the daily Ace card means the daily gambling of their livesgambling of their lives

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TattoosTattoos18 St. Gang 18 St. Gang

8 Ball means 8 Ball means GangsterGangster

Two Faces of lifeTwo Faces of life

Hand signal for Hand signal for 1818thth St.St. Tattoo done while Tattoo done while

serving time in serving time in prisonprison

““L.A. L.A. SurSur 13” usually 13” usually worn by gang worn by gang members from LAmembers from LA

NoteNote: “SUR” Usually means South L.A.; Local gang members claim that: “SUR” Usually means South L.A.; Local gang members claim that it it means “means “SoldadosSoldados UnidosUnidos RevolucionariosRevolucionarios” Revolutionary United Soldiers.” Revolutionary United Soldiers.

R.I.P. Means R.I.P. Means Rest in Peace / Rest in Peace / In memory of.In memory of.

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TattoosTattoos

Filled tillFilled till--drop drop means death of a means death of a close friend or close friend or relative / Unfilled relative / Unfilled means not a close means not a close friend; maybe a friend; maybe a gang member from gang member from the same the same clicaclica..

1818thth St.St.

1818thth St.St.

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SummarySummary

Gangs usually use similar graffitists, tattoos, and hand signalsGangs usually use similar graffitists, tattoos, and hand signals..

Most known gangs (18 St, MSMost known gangs (18 St, MS--13, etc.) are linked to gangs from 13, etc.) are linked to gangs from other countries like the US, Canada, Mexico, etc.other countries like the US, Canada, Mexico, etc.

Gang members conduct AAR (After action review) after each Gang members conduct AAR (After action review) after each mission and share information with other gangs.mission and share information with other gangs.

Most gang members while in prison/jail recruit and create networMost gang members while in prison/jail recruit and create networks.ks.

Not all gangs are sophisticated and well networked.Not all gangs are sophisticated and well networked.

Some music, movies and books are motivational factors for Some music, movies and books are motivational factors for wantawanta--be gang members.be gang members.

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Any Questions / Comments Any Questions / Comments ??

SFC Quintero, LeoSFC Quintero, LeoUSMILGPUSMILGP--El SalvadorEl SalvadorAntiAnti--terrorism Officerterrorism OfficerOffice: (011503)Office: (011503)--25012501--24132413Cell: (011503)Cell: (011503)--78417841--43244324EE--mail: mail: quintero@sansalvador.mg.southcom.milquintero@sansalvador.mg.southcom.mil