John Camilo Correa, Smuggling, Florida 2010

Miami, FL – John Camilo Correa and three co-conspirators were sentenced in late 2010 for a scheme to illegally import a banned refrigerant gas, R-22, into the United States. The operation, uncovered by a joint investigation between the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), involved disguising the ozone-depleting substance as the more permissible R-134a.

The investigation began in January 2009 when CBP agents flagged a 20-foot container arriving in Florida, purportedly filled with R-134a. Preliminary lab tests on a sample cylinder revealed the presence of HCFC-22, commonly known as R-22 – a refrigerant phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. This discrepancy immediately triggered seizure proceedings and a referral to federal investigators. The U.S. EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs confirmed that Goodfellas LLC, the importer of record, lacked the necessary EPA allowances and authorizations to legally import R-22.

Investigators quickly determined the operation was a deliberate attempt to circumvent environmental regulations. Correa, along with Blasdimir Urena, principals of Southern Electric Motors, knowingly imported the illegal refrigerant under the guise of Goodfellas LLC to shield their primary business from scrutiny. The scheme involved mislabeling shipments and exploiting loopholes in customs regulations. Further investigation revealed that additional individuals, Falcon, owner of a freight forwarding business, and Nova, an employee at a shipping and export company, were knowingly complicit in facilitating the illegal imports.

The defendants were each charged with one count of smuggling goods into the United States, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 545. All four – Correa, Urena, Falcon, and Nova – ultimately pled guilty to the charge in October 2010. The penalties, handed down on December 29, 2010, included 60 months of probation for each defendant, along with substantial fines. Correa and Urena were ordered to pay a combined $7,191 in fines ($3,000 federal + $4,191 judicially mandated). Falcon and Nova were each ordered to pay $6,191 ($2,000 federal + $4,191 judicially mandated).

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: John Camilo Correa, Blasdimir Urena, Falcon, Nova
Crime: Smuggling of illegal refrigerant R-22
Location: Florida
Year: 2011 (charges filed 2010)
Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 545 (Smuggling Goods)
Illegal Substance: HCFC-22 (R-22), an ozone-depleting refrigerant
Penalties: 60 months probation and fines ranging from $6,191 to $7,191 per defendant

The case highlights the ongoing efforts of federal agencies to combat the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances, which contribute to environmental damage and violate international agreements. The use of front companies and mislabeling tactics underscores the lengths to which criminals will go to profit from environmentally harmful activities. The EPA continues to pursue enforcement actions against those who attempt to circumvent regulations designed to protect the atmosphere.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases