Federal Police Run an Operation Against Gang that Arranged Illegal Entry Into the United States

02/11/2015 - 09h01

The Federal Police launched an operation on Tuesday morning (10) to disrupt a gang that acted to facilitate the illegal entry of Brazilians into American territory.

The operation took place in eight cities of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rondônia and Goiás.

Altogether, 54 warrants were issued: six pre-trial detentions, five search and seizure and 43 coercive hearings (when someone is brought to testify).
 
The gang offered two shuttle "packages", both through the Mexican border.

The so-called "coyotes" charged up to US$ 10,600 to transport immigrants by planes, cars and buses to U.S..
 
The cheapest option costed US$ 5,300. In this case, most of the journey was made on foot, and it was necessary to walk up to four nights to reach the destination.
 
The gang also mediated the acquisition of entry visas in the United States using false documentation.
 
To deceive the American consular authorities, they provided false bank statements, inflated pay checks, non-existent proof of employment relationships, as well as false documents that linked the applicants with universities.
 
American authorities are also searching for other members of the gang.

The suspects who are abroad will be included in Interpol's wanted list. They could get as much as 24 years in prison if convicted.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

Read the article in the original language

	David McNew - out.2006/AFP
	A US flag put up by activists who oppose illegal immigration flies near the US-Mexico border fence in California