WAYCROSS, GA – A massive federal indictment has dropped on a group of 24 defendants accused of a transnational human smuggling and labor trafficking operation in south Georgia. The suspects, including Patricio et al., are charged with importing Mexican and Central American workers under deplorable conditions on local farms.
The 54-count indictment, titled USA v. Patricio et al., details Operation Blooming Onion – a three-year investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and other agencies. The probe resulted in the rescue of over 100 individuals from modern-day slavery.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, David H. Estes, emphasized the greed driving the exploitation: “Where there is need, there is greed from those who will attempt to exploit these willing workers for their own obscene profits.”
The indictment outlines a web of mail fraud, forced labor trafficking, and money laundering, using the H-2A visa program as a conduit. The operation targeted an international criminal organization led by Patricio.
OCDETF Director Adam W. Cohen praised the multi-agency effort: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s leadership positions us to disrupt transnational criminal networks that pose a threat to our communities.”
The charges against Patricio and his co-defendants include felony conspiracy, human smuggling, document fraud, and forced labor. The investigation is ongoing.
RELATED: Operation Blooming Onion: 24 Indicted in Georgia Slave Labor Ring
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Human Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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