Latin American Gang 'Los Trinitarios' Linked to Three London Killings

The Latin American street gang Los Trinitarios, known for its alleged use of machetes and recruitment of minors, has been linked to three homicides in London.

The gang was established in 1993 by two Dominican inmates at New York's Rikers Island prison. It has since expanded across the United States, Central and South America, and Spain. US-based members are reported to favor machetes over firearms, viewing them as a more personal weapon.

Los Trinitarios draws its name from 'La Trinitaria,' a historical society that aided the Dominican Republic's independence. Today, its members come from diverse ethnic backgrounds and engage in criminal activities including drug dealing, armed robbery, sex trafficking, and prostitution. Members are often identified by green bandannas.

Authorities believe the gang has established a presence in the UK, with alleged recruitment occurring among Spanish-speaking communities in south London. While the Metropolitan Police have not officially commented on Los Trinitarios' involvement in London, Spanish authorities indicated its presence after arresting a man in Barcelona who was convicted in one of the London attacks.

"The Trinitarios youth group is currently one of the most active and violent groups nationwide," a statement from Spanish authorities read. "It has branches in several European countries where, according to investigators, they also carry out violent criminal activities related to drug trafficking, document forgery and scams, among others."

The most recent killing linked to the gang involved a 17-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed outside a McDonald's on Old Kent Road in southeast London on August 27 of last year. The victim, Yeray Sanchez Morales, was attacked with a bottle and stabbed multiple times. Images from suspects' social media, along with CCTV footage, were used to identify and convict several individuals in connection with the crime. Two 18-year-olds were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to four years each, while others received community orders for related offenses.

Morales, originally from Lanzarote and of Colombian descent, had reportedly settled well in London and expressed a fondness for the country. His mother described him as someone who loved to dance and sing, with aspirations of becoming a PE teacher.

In a separate incident in April of the previous year, 21-year-old Giovanny Rendon Bedoya was killed in an attack in Walworth. His attackers allegedly used machetes and sliced off his fingertips before fatally wounding him. Five men were convicted of murder following an 18-hour jury deliberation. One of the convicted men, Angel Gonzalez Angulo, fled the country but was apprehended near Barcelona and extradited to the UK.

Another victim, 36-year-old Gregory Catillo Volquez, was attacked on January 13 of the previous year in north London, sustaining 22 stab wounds. Three men, including one from Spain, were convicted of his murder and collectively sentenced to 68 years in prison.