Feds Charge 13 in $1.1M Stolen Vehicle Ring Tied to Mexican Cartels
Authorities say 29 vehicles worth nearly $1.14 million were recovered as investigators traced the thefts to Mexican cartels.
- On Monday, federal officials announced that 13 people face charges in Operation Southbound Takedown, an investigation into an alleged scheme transporting stolen vehicles from across the United States into Mexico for use by criminal organizations.
- The investigation, which began in spring 2026, uncovered a pattern of personal and rental vehicles being stolen, driven to El Paso, and delivered to Mexican cartels designated as terrorist organizations by authorities.
- Investigators recovered 29 vehicles valued at nearly $1.14 million, which prosecutors allege were used to support criminal operations including human smuggling, extortion, drug trafficking, and murder.
- U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons warned prospective offenders: "To anyone considering transporting stolen vehicles into Mexico: do not do it." Defendants face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
- Authorities indicted and arrested defendants between March and October 19, with all presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation remains active across the United States and Mexico.
23 Articles
23 Articles
At least 13 people, including two Mexicans, face federal charges in El Paso, Texas, for allegedly stealing and transporting vehicles from different parts of the United States to drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, the Texas West District Attorney’s Office reported yesterday.
New York Post
Feds crack down on stolen car pipeline to Mexican cartels as 13 charged in border scheme
A cross-border pipeline of stolen vehicles allegedly supplied Mexican cartels with cars and trucks to support their criminal operations, federal authorities say, with 13 people now facing charges in the scheme.
Feds crack down on stolen car pipeline to Mexican cartels as 13 charged in border scheme - NEW YORK TIMES POST
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A cross-border pipeline of stolen vehicles allegedly supplied Mexican cartels with cars and trucks to support their criminal operations, federal authorities say, with 13 people now facing charges in the scheme. The vehicles were stolen from private owners and major rental car companies before being driven through [...]
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