From Fox News · Stepheny Price · · 1m 10s
Feds charge 13 in stolen car pipeline to Mexican cartels
U.S. charges 13 in stolen vehicle scheme for Mexican cartels.
In brief
U.S. charges 13 in stolen vehicle scheme for Mexican cartels. Federal authorities charged 13 people for transporting stolen vehicles to Mexican cartels, including 11 U.S. citizens and two Mexican citizens. Originally reported by Fox News.
Feds charge 13 in stolen vehicle scheme
Federal authorities charged 13 people for transporting stolen vehicles to Mexican cartels.
13 charged: 11 U.S. citizens, 2 Mexican
Of the 13 charged, 11 are U.S. citizens and two are Mexican citizens, one with a lawful permanent resident card.
Operation Southbound Takedown
Authorities recovered 29 vehicles worth $1.14 million in Operation Southbound Takedown.
Stolen vehicles used for cartel operations
Stolen vehicles support cartels' daily operations including human smuggling and drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney warns on vehicle theft
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons warns transporting stolen vehicles to Mexico supports cartel operations.
“U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons warned people considering transporting stolen vehicles into Mexico that cartels are exploiting individuals looking to make a "quick buck" to further their criminal operations.”
Law enforcement collaboration
Homeland Security Investigations, FBI and other agencies worked together on the investigation.
Charges include up to 10 years in prison
All 13 face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted of interstate transportation of stolen property.
What it means
Federal authorities charged 13 people for transporting stolen vehicles to Mexican cartels, including 11 U.S. citizens and two Mexican citizens.
