The database of the Public Ministry (MP) explained that Joseph Martínez López, who was injured in an armed attack that occurred in a commercial square in Villa Nueva, had been captured on October 19, 2021 during an operation against a criminal gang dedicated to money laundering and the sale of drugs.
“The operations of the Prosecutor’s Office against money laundering or other assets were carried out in zone 7 of the capital city, San Miguel Petapa and in Jutiapa, in follow -up to the structure called Bacanos“The MP said on that occasion.
That day they captured six people, including the alleged leads that were identified as Joseph Steve Martínez López and Vilma Araceli López.
Both were linked to criminal proceedings for crimes such as illegal association, homicide, money laundering, traffic and illicit storage.
In the preliminary research of the MP both was pointed out as part of the band Bacanos that sold marijuana and cocaine in San Miguel Petapa.
“From this structure they were also linked to the process in December Anaité Navas Paz, Mark Leonardo Esteban, Pedro Fabrizzio Navas, Oscar Ariel Ramírez Cruz and Brandon Martínez Gálvez,” said the investigating entity on that occasion.
Armed attack in Villa Nueva
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), two hypotheses are investigated after the armed attack in the market in zone 4, of Villa Nueva.
Police reports detailed that The alleged member hitmen of the Mara Salvatrucha followed Joseph Estiven Martinez López, 34, to the market of Villa Nueva.
The alleged gang members identified as Wagner Eduardo Orellana Cuyan, aka Chepe, José Eduardo Cortez, Rafael Edgardo Gaitán Martínez and Nelson Javier Carrillo Samaley were aboard a gray car with 136Hzs plates and carried three weapons illegally.
Police said he investigates two hypotheses, the first links Martínez López as a possible lender in the sector and the direct attack could be related to its operations.
The second line of investigation is an attack against Marténz for refusing to pay extortion.
“Martínez López possibly owns heavy transport vehicles and the Mara Salvatrucha gang had demanded a week or monthly share not to attempt against his life. When the carrier refused, the hitmen tried to kill him, ”said the PNC.
Police said that Martínez’s bodyguards repelled the armed attack and caused two gang members, while the other two were arrested and transferred to the town’s court.
The police report said the escorts carried three .223 and three guns, all weapons are legal.