Personnel Dossier: Rafa Gamboa

Re: Personnel File, Human Resources

Subject: Rafael Gamboa Escobar

Current Assignment: Deep cover operative, Counter-drug Operations Unit, Federal Preventative Police

Rank: Unknown

Status: Unknown

Background Profile

Gamboa Escobar is thought to be one of the most inventive, successful and reckless operatives currently in the federale stable. His ability to integrate into cartel circles is unparalleled yet it is clear that the lifestyle has taken a heavy toll. His backstory, created by federale superiors, effectively cut him off from his previous real life as an up and coming actor in Mexico City.

His major operations include casting himself as a Santa Muerte folk priest to gain traction with the Diego Barrielos Luna cartel which is known for Santa Muerte worship. Integrating himself in the role caused Gamboa to engage in behavior which led to the collapse of the operations.

A second operation to lure Barrielos Luna out of hiding by filming a bio-pic of the cartel kingpin’s life is still in process. Gamboa is operating as Manolo Bernal, a film producer.

Gamboa’s family backstory is of concern. Raised by his aunt in the belief that she was his mother, he recently discovered his sister, a maverick Acapulco police detective. Their relationship continues to be fractious although they may be cooperating in an effort to bring down Barrielos Luna.

Psychological Evaluation

Strengths: Gamboa is an inventive chameleon, comfortable anywhere and able to disguise himself and play any role. He speaks several languages, is physically fit, and has broad knowledge of diverse playing fields. He is seen as ruthless yet charming and a formidable adversary.

Weaknesses: Gamboa has few healthy relationships in his life, and regards people as playthings or pawns in his undercover games. He is the quintessential Lone Wolf. He is difficult to contact or recall when on assignment. Both his federale handler and a female DEA agent, with whom he had a romantic relationship, were recently murdered by the Barrielos Luna cartel, calling into question what actions Gamboa will take in revenge.

Key Motivators: Death or arrest of Diego Barrielos Luna. Finding out the truth about his family.

Known Associates

Detective Emilia Cruz: This is his sister, from whom he was separated at age 3. DNA exposed the truth after Gamboa sexually assaulted her during the Santa Muerte operation.

Tactical Notes

Gamboa makes his first appearance in PACIFIC REAPER, which begins a series arc exposing Emilia Cruz’s dark family secret. Gamboa wants to shut down a major cartel operating in western Mexico, but his methods are dangerous and produce exceptional collateral damage.

featured image, iStockphoto