The two Mexican nationals, who were living in the U.S. illegally, were instrumental in setting up a human trafficking ring that transported about 2,500 migrants from Central America to the U.S. Federal prosecutors said the pair laundered about $2.9 million in profits and often kidnapped the migrants for ransom.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crain held a hearing in McAllen, Texas, this week and sentenced Luis Enrique Moctezuma Acosta, 37, and Scarlett Fuentes Gabarete, 34, to 20 years in federal prison each for leading a human trafficking ring and using the trucking business to launder approximately $2.9 million in profits, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas said in a prepared statement. The two men, both Mexican nationals who were living illegally in Mission, Texas, will be deported after serving their sentences.
Acosta and Fuentes previously pleaded guilty to multiple human trafficking and money laundering charges.
Federal prosecutors alleged that a South Texas-based ring led by Acosta and Fuentes operated from Honduras to Boston, moving 2,459 migrants, mostly from Brazil.
The group kept detailed ledgers of migrants in custody and how they entered the country: by walking across the border, using false passports, flying in or traveling by truck.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Both Acosta and Fuentes used TikTok to promote their businesses and showcase their lavish lifestyles.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Prosecutors reported receiving multiple testimonies from migrants whose relatives had been extorted for additional money and forcibly held in safe houses.
Authorities alleged that the pair used a variety of businesses, including a used car dealership and a trucking company, to launder the proceeds of migrant smuggling. Prosecutors searched their properties and seized more than $1.5 million in cash and nearly $3 million in assets.
Ildefonso Ortiz is an award-winning journalist at Breitbart Texas. He co-founded Breitbart Texas’ Cartel Chronicles project with Brandon Darby and senior Breitbart management. twitter and FacebookContact details: email address.
Brandon Darby is Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Breitbart Texas. He co-founded Breitbart Texas’ Cartel Chronicles project with Ildefonso Ortiz and senior Breitbart executives. twitter and FacebookContact details: email address.
