The government of Nicaragua has pardoned and returned 21 Honduran prisoners, including a leader of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang, back to Honduras. Upon crossing the border, the gang leader, David Elias Campbell Licona, was immediately detained by Honduran police. On Saturday, Nicaragua also announced its plans to return prisoners to Costa Rica. This move follows a similar transfer of 43 Honduran prisoners on October 18. The reason for Nicaragua’s action remains undisclosed.
David Elias Campbell Licona, also known as “El Viejo Dan”, is a high-ranking member of the MS-13 gang. Originating in Los Angeles, this criminal organization operates in the United States and has control over areas throughout Central America. Campbell Licona had been wanted by Honduran authorities since 2016 on charges of money laundering and gang-related crimes. He was captured in Nicaragua in June 2021.
In February of this year, Campbell Licona was sanctioned by the United States. He is wanted in the US for possession of firearms, as well as conspiracy charges that include murder and the import of cocaine. US authorities have stated that Campbell Licona used businesses owned or controlled by the gang to launder drug proceeds, including through US banks.
Ismael Lopez and Gustavo Palencia report on this development. Sarah Kinosian is responsible for writing the article, which has been edited by Christopher Cushing.
