Authorities commemorate first anniversary of Transnational Anti Gang Unit

September 25, 2008

In a ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Salvadoran National Civilian Police, authorities commemorated the first anniversary of operations of the Transnational Anti Gang Unit, TAG, in El Salvador.

The ceremony was presided over by Ambassador Charles L. Glazer, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Assistant Director Ken Kaiser, the President of the Legislative Public Security and Anti Drug Commission Elizardo Gonzalez, National Civilian Police (PNC) Director José Luis Tobar, and Salvadoran Minister of Public Security and Justice René Figueroa.

In his remarks, Ambassador Glazer highlighted that “to date, the TAG has covered approximately 120 leads that have supported investigations of MS-13 and 18th Street gangs in the US, Canada, and in the region”. 

The diplomat also noted that in order to have a bigger impact on security, wiretapping laws, extradition treaties, and other modern legal instruments, combined with the ongoing work of the TAG are needed. “The United States remains committed to our friends in the region in combating organized crime”, he added. 

TAG is part of a four part initiative which strengthens law enforcement, fugitive arrest, international coordination and information exchange. Two FBI agents are assigned permanently at the Unit to exchange their expertise on the fight against violent gangs.
The TAG gathers, maintains and analyzes intelligence information related to the gangs’ criminal activities. Intelligence information generated by the unit is then shared with the United Status and other governments of the region.