The leader and founder of the notorious Central American gang Barrio 18 passed away while incarcerated in a high-security prison in El Salvador. Carlos Mojica, also known as “El Viejo Lin,” succumbed to complications from liver issues, as announced by the government. Mojica had been serving time in the maximum-security facility since 2003, having been convicted of orchestrating numerous murders and facing multiple other criminal allegations.
Originally deported from the United States to El Salvador in the 1990s, Mojica played a pivotal role in the formation of the emerging Barrio 18 gang cells within American borders. Despite his imprisonment, authorities revealed that Mojica maintained his grip on the gang’s operations, orchestrating criminal activities through the use of written messages called “wilas” and through prison visits. His authority extended to commanding violent acts both inside and outside prison walls, including ordering attacks and prison riots.
Under Mojica’s rule, Barrio 18 enforced a regime of extortion that placed significant financial burdens on local businesses and truck drivers operating in the gang’s territories. Non-compliance with these demands often resulted in severe consequences, including death or disappearance. Clinical reports from the General Directorate of Prisons indicated that Mojica battled various health issues, including liver cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome, and a suspected aggressive brain tumor diagnosis dating back to 2024.
Mojica’s influence was also felt in the realm of gang diplomacy, as he played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between Barrio 18 and its rival gang MS-13 in 2012 under the administration of former President Mauricio Funes. This truce led to a notable decline in El Salvador’s homicide rates during that period. However, the current government led by President Nayib Bukele has implemented stringent measures to combat crime, resulting in a significant reduction in Barrio 18’s power. The gang had previously splintered into two factions, namely the Sureños and the Revolucionarios.
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