Feds Bust Stolen Car Ring Supplying Mexican Cartels
Thirteen individuals charged in an operation that recovered $1.14 million in vehicles allegedly sent across the border to fuel cartel operations.
Federal authorities have dismantled a cross-border pipeline of stolen vehicles used to supply Mexican cartels, resulting in charges against 13 individuals. The operation, dubbed Operation Southbound Takedown, targeted a scheme that moved stolen cars and trucks from private owners and rental companies through El Paso, Texas, and into Mexico.
Authorities have recovered 29 vehicles, valued at an estimated $1.14 million, as part of the investigation. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, these vehicles were used to support the daily operations of criminal organizations.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ryan G. McRae stated that the recovered vehicles are not isolated property crimes but rather demonstrate a pattern of criminal activity supporting dangerous organizations. Photos released by prosecutors showed a damaged white SUV, an armored black SUV, and an armored pickup truck recovered during the investigation.
The investigation began in the spring after law enforcement identified a pattern of stolen vehicles being transported to individuals connected to Mexican criminal organizations. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons warned that individuals seeking a "quick buck" by transporting stolen vehicles are assisting cartels in activities such as human smuggling, extortion, drug trafficking, and murder. He emphasized that those who provide support to these cartels, many designated as foreign terrorist organizations, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Of the 13 individuals charged, 11 are U.S. citizens and two are Mexican citizens. Prosecutors stated that one Mexican citizen holds a lawful permanent resident card, and the other possesses a border crossing card. Two Americans, Kimberly Aguilar and Marty Gerardo Jr., are in state custody, while the other 11 were federally indicted and arrested between July 22 and Oct. 19. All 13 face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted of interstate transportation of stolen property, though charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and other federal, state, and local agencies. Authorities reported collaborating with private-sector partners to disrupt the network. Officials vowed that the work is ongoing and that those assisting cartels will be apprehended.