$10 Million Reward Expands Hunt for MS-13 Leader Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias
FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive
Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias is wanted by the FBI for his alleged leadership of MS-13 throughout Honduras and his alleged involvement in racketeering, international cocaine trafficking, machine-gun offenses, and violent criminal activity. Federal authorities accuse Archaga Carias of directing MS-13 operations in Honduras while providing firearms, narcotics, money, and other resources supporting the gang’s activities in Central America and the United States.
The reward information in the material you provided has since been updated. As of June 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program is offering up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Archaga Carias. The reward had previously been $5 million. He remains on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
Archaga Carias became the 526th person added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list when his addition was announced on November 3, 2021. The FBI warns that he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Alleged Leader of MS-13 in Honduras
Federal authorities identify Archaga Carias as the alleged leader of MS-13 for all of Honduras. In that position, he allegedly exercised substantial control over the gang’s criminal operations and provided support to the broader MS-13 enterprise.
According to the FBI, Archaga Carias allegedly controlled MS-13 criminal activity throughout Honduras while providing the organization with firearms, narcotics, and cash. Authorities allege that those resources supported MS-13 activities not only in Honduras but also elsewhere in Central America and the United States.
His alleged leadership position has made him a significant target in the U.S. government’s efforts against transnational organized crime. Federal authorities have pursued the case through an investigation involving the FBI and other agencies participating in Joint Task Force Vulcan.
MS-13 and Transnational Organized Crime
MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, operates through networks and groups extending across national borders. U.S. authorities have investigated the organization for crimes involving violence, narcotics trafficking, extortion, racketeering, weapons, and other offenses.
The federal allegations against Archaga Carias focus on his alleged position at the highest level of the gang’s operations in Honduras. Authorities accuse him of using that position to provide resources to the broader MS-13 enterprise and facilitate criminal activities affecting both Central America and the United States.
The investigation therefore extends beyond allegations involving individual acts of violence. Prosecutors accuse Archaga Carias of participating in a larger criminal enterprise whose activities crossed international borders.
Multi-Ton Cocaine Shipments
One of the most significant allegations against Archaga Carias concerns the movement of cocaine through Honduras toward the United States.
According to the FBI, Archaga Carias allegedly supported multi-ton loads of cocaine traveling through Honduras for eventual distribution in the United States. The scale described by federal authorities places the allegations within the category of major international narcotics trafficking.
The federal case includes a cocaine importation conspiracy charge. Prosecutors accuse Archaga Carias and others of participating in an international operation intended to move substantial quantities of cocaine into the United States.
Honduras as a Transit Point
The allegations portray Honduras as an important part of the trafficking route connected to Archaga Carias and the MS-13 organization he allegedly controlled.
Federal authorities accuse him of supporting the movement of large cocaine shipments through Honduran territory. Such trafficking operations can involve networks responsible for transportation, security, storage, financing, and coordination between criminal organizations operating in different countries.
Investigators allege that Archaga Carias’ leadership position provided him with the ability to support these operations while simultaneously directing other MS-13 activities.
Allegations of Murder and Violence
The federal allegations against Archaga Carias extend beyond narcotics trafficking. According to the FBI, he is also allegedly responsible for ordering and participating in murders involving rival gang members and other individuals associated with MS-13.
These allegations contribute to the FBI’s warning that Archaga Carias should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Federal investigators have described violence as an important component of the criminal activity allegedly directed by Archaga Carias. His suspected involvement in both ordering and personally participating in murders has made apprehending him a major priority.
Firearms and Machine-Gun Charges
Archaga Carias faces federal charges involving possession of machine guns and conspiracy to possess machine guns.
The firearms allegations are significant because federal authorities accuse him of providing weapons and other resources to MS-13 operations. Prosecutors allege that firearms formed part of the support available to the criminal enterprise.
The combination of weapons charges, alleged gang leadership, narcotics trafficking, and allegations of murder creates a federal case involving several major areas of organized criminal activity.
Racketeering Conspiracy Charge
Archaga Carias is federally charged with racketeering conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly known as RICO.
Racketeering cases allow federal prosecutors to address allegations involving individuals participating in an ongoing criminal enterprise rather than treating every alleged crime as an entirely separate event.
In this case, federal prosecutors accuse Archaga Carias of participating in the MS-13 enterprise while holding a leadership position in Honduras. The RICO charge is accompanied by the cocaine importation and machine-gun charges.
Federal Case in New York
The federal prosecution against Archaga Carias is being handled through the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The charges listed by the FBI include racketeering conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns, and conspiracy to possess machine guns.
Archaga Carias remains outside U.S. custody, meaning the charges have not been resolved through trial. All criminal charges against him remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
Joint Task Force Vulcan Investigation
The Archaga Carias case is being investigated as part of Joint Task Force Vulcan, a federal initiative focused on combating MS-13 and other significant transnational criminal activity.
The task force brings together investigative and prosecutorial resources from multiple components of the U.S. government. This approach allows authorities to pursue alleged gang leaders and members through charges involving racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearms, violent crime, immigration offenses, and other applicable federal laws.
Archaga Carias’ alleged position as the leader of MS-13 in Honduras makes his case particularly significant to the task force’s broader effort against the organization.
Added to FBI Ten Most Wanted List
On November 3, 2021, the FBI announced that Archaga Carias had been added to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
He became the 526th fugitive placed on the list since the program was established in 1950. His addition substantially increased public awareness of the international search and allowed the FBI to distribute his photographs and identifying information to a wider audience.
Archaga Carias remains on the Ten Most Wanted list. Federal authorities continue seeking assistance from anyone who can provide information about his whereabouts or activities.
Known as “Porky”
The FBI lists several names associated with Archaga Carias. His aliases include Alexander Mendoza, Yulan Andony Archaga Carias, and “Porky.”
The nickname “Porky” has become one of the most widely publicized identifiers associated with him. Individuals who know him exclusively by an alias may therefore possess valuable information without initially recognizing the complete name appearing on his federal wanted notice.
Authorities may also be interested in additional identities, documents, telephone numbers, online accounts, residences, vehicles, or businesses connected with Archaga Carias.
FBI Description of Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias
According to the FBI, Archaga Carias was born in San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras. The Bureau lists two dates of birth associated with him: February 13, 1982, and January 21, 1982.
He is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes. His height is approximately 5 feet 5 inches, and his listed weight is approximately 160 pounds.
The FBI identifies his nationality as Honduran. Authorities believe Archaga Carias speaks only Spanish.
Because years have passed since he became an internationally wanted fugitive, his present appearance may differ from photographs released by authorities. Changes in weight, facial hair, hairstyle, or other characteristics should be considered when evaluating a possible sighting.
FBI Warns He Is Extremely Dangerous
The FBI warns that Archaga Carias should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Anyone who believes they recognize him should not approach, confront, follow, detain, or attempt to apprehend him. Attempting to independently verify his identity could create a serious safety risk.
Instead, possible sightings should be immediately reported to authorities. Investigators can evaluate the information and determine the appropriate response.
Information About Associates Could Help
Because Archaga Carias allegedly occupied a senior position within MS-13, information concerning his associates may be particularly valuable.
Investigators may be interested in individuals who provide him with transportation, residences, communications, money, identification documents, security, or other resources. Such connections could potentially help authorities establish his current location.
People should not independently investigate suspected associates. Information concerning those individuals should be provided directly to law enforcement so investigators can determine whether it is relevant.
Older Information Can Still Be Valuable
A person does not necessarily need to know Archaga Carias’ current location to possess information useful to investigators.
A previous sighting could identify a residence, vehicle, associate, telephone number, travel route, or other connection that investigators were previously unaware of. Those details can potentially be compared with newer information to reconstruct a fugitive’s movements.
Someone who encountered Archaga Carias years ago should therefore not automatically assume that the information is too old to report. Investigators can determine whether it contributes to the broader fugitive investigation.
FBI Houston Handles Wanted Investigation
The FBI’s Houston Field Office handles Archaga Carias’ wanted case and continues seeking information from the United States and abroad.
The international nature of the investigation means useful information could originate in Honduras, elsewhere in Central America, the United States, or another country.
Individuals outside the United States can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to provide information. People in the United States may contact the FBI or other participating federal law-enforcement agencies.
Dedicated Tip Information
The FBI provides dedicated contact methods for information concerning Archaga Carias. Tips can be sent by email to archaga-carias_tips@fbi.gov.
Information can also be provided through WhatsApp at 832-267-1688. The FBI notes that WhatsApp is neither operated nor controlled by the U.S. government.
People in the United States may also contact their local FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, or Homeland Security Investigations office. Those outside the United States may contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Reward Increased to $10 Million
The reward attached to the case has increased substantially since Archaga Carias was first added to the Ten Most Wanted list.
When the FBI announced his addition in November 2021, it offered up to $100,000 for information leading directly to his arrest. The State Department later announced a reward of up to $5 million through its Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.
On June 22, 2026, the State Department doubled that amount. The current reward is now up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Archaga Carias.
State Department Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program
The $10 million reward is offered through the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.
The program is designed to generate actionable information concerning major figures involved in transnational organized crime. Rewards may be authorized when information directly contributes to the arrest or conviction of targeted individuals.
Only tips provided to the U.S. government will be considered for the State Department reward. Individuals who believe they possess qualifying information should therefore use official government reporting channels.
International Manhunt Continues
Years after Archaga Carias was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, the international effort to locate him remains active.
Federal authorities accuse him of controlling MS-13 criminal activity throughout Honduras, providing firearms, narcotics, and cash to the organization, supporting multi-ton cocaine shipments destined for the United States, and ordering or participating in murders.
His alleged leadership role, the seriousness of the federal charges, and the FBI’s warning that he is armed and extremely dangerous have made his apprehension a continuing priority.
The current reward of up to $10 million significantly increases the incentive for individuals with actionable information to come forward. Anyone who recognizes Archaga Carias or knows information concerning his whereabouts should report it directly to authorities and should not attempt to apprehend him.
Sources
FBI — Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias Wanted Poster
FBI — Archaga Carias Added to Ten Most Wanted Fugitives
FBI — Current Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List
U.S. Department of State — Transnational Organized Crime Reward Announcement
