Allegations emerge that El Salvador's President Bukele made secret deals with gangs [View all]

Bukele’s administration denies accusations, highlights government's crackdown on gangs
Sinan Dogan and Zehra Nur Celik |

04.05.2025 - Update : 04.05.2025



BOGOTA / ANKARA

Allegations that El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele made secret deals with criminal gangs have sparked controversy in the country.

Carlos Cartagena Lopez, also known as “Charli de IVU,” one of the leaders of the Barrio 18 gang, claimed in an interview with El Faro newspaper that Bukele struck deals with gangs to further his political career.

According to Cartagena, the alleged agreement began during Bukele’s tenure as the mayor of San Salvador in 2014 and continued until he won the presidential election.

Elmer Canales Rivera, also known as “El Crook,” a leader of the MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gang, echoed similar claims in statements to El Faro, asserting that they supported Bukele.

More:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/allegations-emerge-that-el-salvadors-president-bukele-made-secret-deals-with-gangs/3556460

(That view was often discussed years ago!)