Ismael Brito Ramirez, aka Mike Ramirez, 38, a Mexican national, is accused of orchestrating a chilling cross-border extortion racket that terrorized nearly 40 families across Texas, California, and Idaho. Federal prosecutors allege Ramirez posed as a kidnapper, coldly threatening victims with violence unless they paid up — all while their children were safe, unaware, and never taken.
The Houston federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging Ramirez with conspiracy to commit extortion, interstate transmission of extortionate communications, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder money. Each charge carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence if he is ever brought to U.S. soil to face trial. Ramirez is currently locked up in Mexico on unrelated charges, complicating extradition efforts.
From behind bars or abroad, Ramirez allegedly used Mexican phone lines to blast out calls, claiming he had abducted a family member — often a daughter — and would harm them unless money was paid immediately. Victims were told their children had witnessed a crime and were now targets. In two Houston cases on September 17 and September 30, 2015, victims were directed to make physical money drops, threatened that their daughters’ fingers would be cut off if they didn’t comply.
The scam netted approximately $28,000, funneled through wire transfers to Mexico or left in dead drops across the Houston area. Authorities say Ramirez’s goal was panic and silence — he warned victims not to hang up or call police, threatening immediate retaliation if they did. The psychological pressure was part of the playbook: exploit fear, demand secrecy, and disappear before law enforcement could respond.
“Extortionists count on victims’ fear during the calls and embarrassment afterwards to not notify authorities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan J. Patrick. “It is imperative they do so, whether falling victim or not. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact your loved one and law enforcement immediately.”
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and IRS Criminal Investigation, with support from the Los Angeles Police Department, Beverly Hills Police, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Suh is prosecuting the case. The indictment is a formal accusation — Ramirez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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