An indictment was unsealed today in the Western District of Texas charging Jafar Tafakori, 57, an Iranian national, for his role in coordinating the smuggling of illegal aliens into the United States. Tafakori was arrested in Colombia at the request of the United States. According to the indictment, from at least Dec. 1, 2022, through on or about May 15, 2024, Tafakori illegally brought large numbers of aliens, primarily Iranian nationals, into the United States.
Key details of the case
In exchange for payment, Tafakori coordinated with others to provide shelter, transportation. Occasionally airline tickets for the aliens to travel through South and Central America and Mexico. Tafakori charged some aliens as much as $30,000 for his services.
Moreover, once at the U.S./Mexico border, the aliens were directed to illegally enter the United States. “Securing our borders and stopping alien smuggling is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This defendant allegedly transported many illegal aliens into the United States, exploiting our nation’s immigration laws and depriving our immigration officials the ability to vet and review the individuals entering our communities.
Meanwhile, thanks to the hard work of our prosecutors and investigative partners, this individual was arrested in Colombia and will be brought to justice in the United States for his crimes.”. “Jafar Tafakori allegedly smuggled Iranian nationals illegally into the United States for 18 months,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Enforcement actions and official statements
“Based on this indictment, Colombian authorities acted fast and arrested Tafakori. When he is extradited, he will face justice in the United States. Those who endanger our communities by participating in human smuggling across our borders will be apprehended regardless of if they live in the United States or abroad.”.
As a result, “Tafakori’s actions demonstrate the inherent dangers of an open-border policy,” said U.S. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “The enemy was at the gate, and the gate was left wide open. For complete details, refer to the official DOJ press release.
Consequently, tafakori’s indictment and arrest. Was facilitated by members of the Homeland Security Task Force, reinforce this administration’s commitment to securing our borders, protecting Americans, and diligently prosecuting those who took advantage of derelict open-border policies.”. “Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in its pursuit of transnational criminal organizations that endanger national security by smuggling illegal aliens from regions associated with criminal activity,” said acting Special Agent in Charge John A.
Notably, pasciucco, HSI San Antonio. “HSI’s ongoing investigations focus on identifying, disrupting. Dismantling these networks to ensure those who threaten the safety of our communities are brought to justice. For related coverage, see Canada Scraps Tech Tax at Last Minute to Save US Trade Deal.
Specifically, our commitment to protecting the homeland is unwavering. We will continue to use all available resources to prevent individuals with dangerous intentions from exploiting our borders.”. “The arrest of this Iranian national involved in smuggling large numbers of individuals.
Subsequently, primarily fellow Iranian citizens — into the United States underscores the global reach and threat of human smuggling networks,” said Assistant Director Ricardo Mayoral of HSI International Operations. “This outcome, made possible through close coordination between HSI San Antonio, HSI Bogotá. Our Colombian partners, reflects HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting our borders and disrupting transnational criminal activity.”. For related coverage, see ???? NATO ramps up weapons flow to Ukraine as Trump warns Russia — Kremlin says it’s not afraid.
At the same time, tafakori is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and five counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. If convicted of three or more counts of illegally bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain, Tafakori faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of fifteen years.
In particular, colombian authorities issued a warrant and arrested Takafori on April 23 in Pereira, Colombia, pursuant to a request from the United States. . HSI San Antonio conducted the investigation along with assistance from the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, HSI Bogotá. United States Border Patrol’s Del Rio Sector Intelligence Unit.
Furthermore, significant assistance was provided by HSI Bogota’s Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit from the Colombian National Police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (TCIU-DIJIN) and the Colombian Attorney General’s Office. . Trial Attorney Bethany Allen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions section, on detail from the Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S.
Investigation and prosecution details
Attorney Adrian Rosales for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Office of International Affairs. Interpol Washington provided significant assistance in this matter. The Justice Department thanks its Colombian law enforcement partners for their expeditious enforcement operation.
