The recent capture of Hernán Jesús Germán Manzano, known as alias Pepo, in Bucaramanga, represents a relevant advance in the fight against organized crime in the city.
Identified by authorities as alleged member of the AK47 criminal structure, “Pepo” was wanted for his alleged participation in crimes of homicide and extortion, facts that have generated concern among local residents and merchants.
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The operation that allowed the arrest of “Pepo” was carried out in an urban area of Bucaramanga, after a monitoring process that culminated with his location and making him available to the competent authorities.
The captured person was hiding in the metropolitan area, which made it difficult to locate him; His arrest is considered an important step to strengthen security in the capital of Santander.
Research indicates that alias Pepo would be linked to the murder of a merchant that occurred on January 17 in the Tres Balcones neighborhood, at kilometer 3 of the Pamplona-Morrorico highway. This fact, which shocked the community in the sector, adds to a series of criminal actions attributed to AK47s, among which extortion of merchants in the area stands out.
The modus operandi of “Pepo” and his organization consisted of intimidating merchants by shooting at the facades of homes and commercial establishments.
This tactic sought to pressure victims into paying extortions, generating fear and affecting the tranquility of the community. The authorities maintain that these types of actions contributed to the social alarm registered after the January homicide.
Regarding the judicial record, Records indicate that Manzano had previously been prosecuted for extortion and maintains a note in the Oral Accusatory Penal System for this same crime.
The commander of the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Police, General William Quintero, highlighted in a media appearance the importance of the capture of “Pepo” for local security.
The uniformed officer was clear that the arrest of this alleged ringleader represents significant progress in the protection of citizens and in the fight against extortion and violence that affect the merchants and residents of Bucaramanga.
The authorities insist on the importance of citizens reporting any act of extortion or violence that puts security and coexistence at risk, remembering that there are hotlines available to receive information and provide support to those affected by this type of crimes.
The criminal group known as AK-47 is a criminal structure that operates mainly in the border area of Colombia with Venezuela, with a strong presence in cities such as Cúcuta and with incursions in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga.
In Cúcuta, authorities describe this organization as dedicated to micro-trafficking, extortion, the manufacture and illegal carrying of weapons, and the intimidation of merchants and vulnerable sectors.
For example, in March 2025, the National Police reported the capture of seven people linked to this group for crimes of aggravated extortion, conspiracy, terrorism and drug trafficking.
One of the most visible criminal modalities of AK-47s is extortion involving violence. In Cúcuta, the criminal structure has circulated intimidating videos with firearms and grenades to coerce payment of extortion “vaccinations.” One documented case showed individuals with rifles threatening currency exchangers in the city center, demanding that fee money be transferred exclusively to them.
It was also reported that this criminal structure generated monthly income of more than 50 million pesos by collecting extortions from merchants.
