Guatemala City, Aug 21 (AGN).- Guatemalan authorities, in collaboration with international organizations, dismantled a criminal network linked to illegal human trafficking, known as The Orozcos. This organization has been associated with the case San Antonio, Texaswhich deals with the death of 53 migrants aboard a trailer.
As a result of raids in different parts of the country, seven alleged members of the gang were arrested, who face charges related to illegal trafficking of Guatemalans, illicit transfer of persons and illicit association.
The Minister of the Interior, Francisco Jiménez, published a message on social media about the actions of this day in favor of security. Through a publication on the social network X (formerly Twitter), he referred to the arrest of Rigoberto Orozco, 47 years old, alias Linein the Villa Nueva hamlet, located in San Pedro Petz, San Pedro Sacatepéquez, San Marcos. This individual is wanted by the authorities in Texas, United States, as the alleged leader of the gang The Orozcos, dedicated to the illegal transfer of people to that country.
Six other alleged members of the gang were also arrested, including Nancy N31 years old; Roberto Nof 45; Sponsorship N70, and Kidman Naged 23. These arrests occurred as a result of simultaneous operations in different locations across the country.
On June 27, 2022, in a migration tragedy in San Antonio #Texas 53 migrants died inside a van. This news spread around the world.
Today we dismantled “Los Orozcos” by capturing their leader alias “Rigo” and 6 other members presumed responsible.
And… pic.twitter.com/1w9zr1nkGU
— Francisco Jimenez (@FJimenezmingob) August 21, 2024
Seizures during operations
During the raids, authorities seized 284,530 quetzales, 4,000 Mexican pesos, 3 cell phones, a DVR and several financial documents, presumed to be the proceeds of smuggling. Authorities suspect that this money is the result of operations to illegally transport migrants to the United States.
One of the raids took place in the San José hamlet, located in the village of La Fuente, Santa María Xalapán, Jalapa. Patrocinio was captured there, who had two outstanding arrest warrants for the crimes of illegal trafficking of Guatemalans and illicit association. His arrest took place on August 13, 2024.
International collaboration and coordination
The operation against The Orozcos, carried out by the Special Investigation Unit of the General Subdirectorate of Criminal Investigation, in close collaboration with the Office of Investigations of the Department of Homeland Security of the United States and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The coordination between these institutions has been fundamental to achieve the dismantling of this criminal structure that operated in multiple locations in the country.
Structure dedicated to illegal trafficking of Guatemalans and linked to the “San Antonio Texas” case in 2022 is dismantled.
There is no tomorrow #LaSeguridadEsHoy! pic.twitter.com/oah6TQ0LhJ
— PNC de Guatemala (@PNCdeGuatemala) August 21, 2024
The San Antonio, Texas case
The origin of this investigation dates back to June 27, 2022, when US authorities found an abandoned trailer in San Antonio, Texas, with 48 people dead inside and another 16 in critical condition. The migrants had been transported in inhumane conditions, exposed to extreme temperatures without water or adequate ventilation.
Sadly, despite medical efforts, 5 of the migrants who were taken to hospitals later died, bringing the total death toll to 53. Of these victims, 21 were Guatemalan. This tragic incident shocked both the authorities and the international community, generating an increased focus on the fight against human trafficking networks.
The impact of illegal human trafficking
Illegal migrant trafficking is a phenomenon that seriously affects Guatemala and other countries. Criminal organizations that commit this crime exploit the vulnerability of people seeking better opportunities in other countries, promising them a safe journey in exchange for large sums of money. However, in many cases, migrants are subjected to extremely dangerous conditions, which often result in tragedies, such as the one that occurred in San Antonio, Texas.
Guatemalan authorities, in coordination with international entities, have stepped up efforts to dismantle these networks and bring those responsible to justice.
The recent dismantling of The Orozcos This is an important step in the fight against human trafficking in Guatemala. The arrests and seizures during the operations demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperation between national and foreign authorities. However, combating these criminal networks remains a constant challenge, and efforts must continue to prevent more people from falling victim to these organizations.
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