HOUSTON – In a massive crackdown on transnational crime, Giovanni Vincente Mosquera Serrano, alias El Viejo and a known Tren de Aragua (TdA) leader, has been charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and involvement in the distribution of cocaine. This comes as part of Operation Take Back America’s efforts, which have seen 202 cases filed in Texas from June 20-26.
Mosquera Serrano is also charged alongside Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, alias Chuqui, for their alleged roles in the TdA and a multimillion-dollar auto theft ring. The ring targeted major airports across the United States, including Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, and Texas cities like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.
In related news, two Cuban nationals, Sadiel Noa-Aguila and Miguel Baez-Echevarria, have been charged for their involvement in the auto theft ring. They are accused of exporting stolen vehicles to Mexico through ports of entry in Hidalgo County and El Paso.
Other arrests include Juan Lopez, who had just been removed from the country on June 2 after a previous conviction for evading arrest. Lopez faced up to 20 years in prison. Hugo Perez-Garza and Ventura De Jesus Sandoval-Torres, Mexican nationals, were also arrested, facing charges of trafficking marijuana and alien smuggling, respectively.
Jesus Jaime Saavedra-Orozco, another Mexican national, faces charges for aggravated sexual assault of a child, with a previous sentence of 18 years before his removal. He too faces up to 20 years in prison.
Giovanni Vincente Mosquera Serrano and Jose Enrique Martinez Flores are both Venezuelan nationals and high-ranking TdA members, according to the allegations. If convicted, they face life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine. A $3 million reward is offered for information leading to Serrano’s arrest or conviction.
RELATED: Texas TdA Leader and Auto Theft Ring Busted in Operation Take Back America
RELATED: Tren de Aragua Leaders ‘El Viejo’ and ‘Chuqui’ Face Life for Terrorism, Cocaine Trafficking
Related Federal Cases
- Terror Cartel Leader Busted in Texas: Tren de Aragua’s Fall · New Mexico
- Kelley Gets 18 Months for Night Vision Export Scheme · Maryland
- Cesar Flores Sentenced to Ten Years for Bribery Scheme · Texas
- New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Counterfeit Card Scheme · Texas
- Houston Couple Sentenced for RICO Employment Scheme · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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