The Cornerstone Report: Volume 2, Issue 2

SAR Referral Identifies Alien Smuggling Ring

In June 2005, ICE agents in New York and Nevada arrested three individuals on money laundering and alien smuggling charges. These arrests were part of a nine-count indictment against numerous individuals—some of who remain fugitives at this time.

Through leads developed from a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR), ICE agents identified and arrested the perpetrators of a large scale money laundering and alien smuggling ring. This case demonstrated that SARs not only assist law enforcement in the identification of currency violators, but perpetrators of other serious crimes. ICE agents in multiple jurisdictions were able to link several ongoing investigations in order to uncover the current scheme. The alien smuggling organization used “coyotes”—or guides—to illegally bring South American citizens into the United States by way of Mexico.

The smuggling organization in this case capitalized on the unrestricted visitor policies that exist between many South American nations and Mexico. Although these policies allow for less restrictive travel and trade between theese nations, they create exploitable vulnerabilities by allowing prospective “clients” easier access to our borders. Clients often pay the criminal organization thousands of dollars for successful entry into the United States, and even more for “door to door” delivery within the United States. Some organizations even offer financing options.

In addition to the criminal activity described above, this investigation uncovered a number of schemes the targets used to move and store their illicit proceeds, including: bulk cash smuggling, utilization of the Black Market Peso Exchange (which is responsible for laundering billions of dollars in illicit funds annually) and money laundering involving the purchase of real estate to store their funds.

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SAR Review Sparks ICE Financial Investigation in Detroit

ICE Campaign Targets Illegal Money Transmittal Businesses

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SCAM ALERT: Internet Fraudsters Prey On Families of Iraq Soldiers

SAR Referral Identifies Alien Smuggling Ring

Cornerstone Calendar

Cornerstone is U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) comprehensive investigative initiative for fighting financial crime, trade fraud and intellectual property crime.

The Cornerstone Report is a quarterly bulletin highlighting key issues related to ICE financial and trade investigations.

The Cornerstone Report covers a broad range of topics related to financial investigations and potential vulnerabilities in the financial and trade sectors.

We strive to present clear thinking by knowledgeable observers that can be read with ease and pleasure by both professionals and a general audience, and we’re happy to review unsolicited submissions for potential publication in the newsletter.

If you would like to submit an article for publication or simply find out more about how you can participate in the Cornerstone initiative, drop us an e-mail at tripwire@dhs.gov.