Guatemala’s Public Ministry announced on Monday the successful recapture of two high-profile gang members in Mexico following a major prison breach in the country earlier this year.

The suspects, identified as Rudy Agosto (alias ‘Smoking’) and Lester Gabriel (alias ‘Liro Spyder’), are members of the notorious Barrio 18 gang. They were apprehended by local authorities in the municipality of Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo. During the arrest, security forces seized a cache of firearms, ammunition, and marijuana.

The two fugitives were among 20 inmates who escaped from the high-security Fraijanes II prison, located on the outskirts of Guatemala City, on October 12, 2025. The breach sparked a massive manhunt and a subsequent investigation into internal corruption; at least 23 prison guards have since been arrested in Guatemala for allegedly facilitating the escape.

Because of the severity of the breach, the Public Ministry had placed both Agosto and Gabriel on the International Police (Interpol) wanted list. Authorities from both Guatemala and Mexico are currently coordinating the legal proceedings necessary to finalize the extradition of the two men to face justice in Guatemala.

To date, law enforcement has successfully recaptured 11 of the 20 fugitives. One of the escaped inmates has been confirmed deceased, while the remaining prisoners continue to be sought by authorities.

In a statement released through official channels, the Public Ministry underscored the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation. “The Public Ministry reaffirms that escape does not guarantee impunity,” the agency stated. “Thanks to national and international cooperation, those who attempt to evade justice will be located and brought before the corresponding courts.”