Federal prosecutors say the defendant coordinated a multi-country network moving migrants through Latin America for high fees.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
An Iranian national has been arrested in Colombia on charges tied to an alleged operation to smuggle migrants into the United States through Latin America, according to the Department of Justice.
Colombian authorities detained Jafar Tafakori, 57, in the city of Pereira at the request of U.S. officials. He is expected to be extradited and prosecuted in federal court in the Western District of Texas.
Prosecutors said an indictment unsealed in that district charges Tafakori with one count of conspiracy to bring an individual into the United States unlawfully and five counts of transporting individuals into the country for financial gain.
If convicted, Tafakori could face up to 10 years in prison on each count. The charges related to financial gain also carry enhanced penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 15 years if multiple counts result in conviction.
“Securing our borders and stopping alien smuggling is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said Todd Blanche in a statement. “This defendant allegedly transported many illegal aliens into the United States, exploiting our nation’s immigration laws and depriving our immigration officials of the ability to vet and review the individuals entering our communities.”
According to the indictment, Tafakori is accused of organizing the movement of primarily Iranian nationals between December 2022 and May 2024. Authorities allege that he charged migrants as much as $30,000 to facilitate their travel.
Investigators said the operation involved coordinating housing, transportation, and in some cases airline tickets for individuals as they moved through countries in South and Central America and Mexico. The migrants were then allegedly directed to cross the U.S.-Mexico border without authorization.
“Based on this indictment, Colombian authorities acted fast and arrested Tafakori, and when he is extradited, he will face justice in the United States,” said A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Those who endanger our communities by participating in human smuggling across our borders will be apprehended regardless of whether they live in the United States or abroad.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio with assistance from international law enforcement partners, including authorities in Colombia.
Prosecutors said the case is part of broader enforcement efforts under Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Alpha, initiatives focused on dismantling transnational criminal organizations involved in human smuggling operations.
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