Three Venezuelan men, including an alleged high-ranking member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, have been arraigned in a Manhattan court, facing multiple charges related to a significant gun trafficking operation. The arrests mark another incident in a series of migrant crime-related cases within New York City.

The defendants, Stefano Pachon, 21, Darwin Figuera, 34, and Yorman Serrano, 31, pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, criminal sale of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon. Prosecutors allege that the group trafficked a variety of firearms, including semi-automatic pistols, shotguns, rifles, and ghost guns, some modified with illegal components like sear switches and extended magazines.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the men conducted at least ten separate gun sales between September 2024 and January 2025. They allegedly used WhatsApp to share photos of the weapons with potential buyers and arranged in-person transactions in the Bronx and East Harlem. Pachon, identified as the alleged ringleader, reportedly negotiated prices and oversaw most of the sales. Prosecutors noted Pachon's existing criminal record, including four prior arrests and an outstanding bench warrant.

Pachon's attorney argued that his client is an asylum seeker from Venezuela and should be afforded certain protections. However, Judge Althea Drysdale countered, stating that Venezuelan origin does not automatically qualify someone for asylum. Figuera and Serrano's attorneys did not offer similar arguments. Serrano has a prior conviction in Queens and an arrest record in Connecticut. Figuera's arrival in the US was more recent.

This case is partly linked to an investigation into a cellphone theft ring led by Victor Parra, who recently pleaded guilty to grand larceny. Evidence gathered in that investigation reportedly contributed to uncovering the gun trafficking operation. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the importance of vigilance against illegal firearms and the gangs that utilize them. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg reiterated his commitment to tackling gun violence, despite recent downward trends.

Pachon is being held without bail, while Figuera and Serrano were each assigned $50,000 bail. The confiscated firearms included a range of pistols, a ghost gun, a revolver, a shotgun, and rifles, some with high-capacity magazines.