LOS ANGELES — In a significant legal move, two individuals purportedly leading a criminal syndicate involved in human trafficking from Guatemala to the United States have been apprehended by federal agents in Los Angeles. The duo reportedly orchestrated the illegal entry of approximately 20,000 individuals into the U.S., charging each person up to $18,000.
Arrested on Friday, Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, known by his alias “Turko,” alongside his subordinate, Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, have both entered not guilty pleas to a range of charges concerning the smuggling operations they allegedly managed across the border over a span of five years, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A federal judge has directed that both men, who themselves lack legal status in the U.S., be detained without the possibility of bail as they await their trial scheduled for April.
The indictment portrays Renoj-Matul as the primary figure in one of the largest human trafficking networks operating within the United States. This elaborate organization has been functioning for at least twelve years, predominantly facilitating the movement of people from Guatemala into the U.S.
This criminal operation was reportedly linked to the tragedy involving the deaths of seven undocumented immigrants, including a young child aged four, who perished in a vehicle accident that took place in Oklahoma in November 2023, according to prosecutors.
Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, a driver who has been in custody in Oklahoma since the crash, was also named in the California charges, according to court filings. Additionally, Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, described as a lieutenant and tasked with overseeing a group of drivers, faces similar charges. Authorities believe he is currently in Guatemala.
Efforts to reach legal representatives for the four accused men have so far been unsuccessful.
The operation allegedly led by Renoj-Matual relied on contacts in Guatemala, who recruited individuals willing to pay between $15,000 and $18,000 to be ferried to the U.S. via Mexico, prosecutors allege.
For an additional cost, these individuals were transported and relocated to different locations within the U.S., such as Los Angeles and Phoenix. Prosecutors reveal that some of those unable to meet the financial demands were detained in a stash house located near downtown Los Angeles.
“The actions of these smuggling groups show a complete disregard for human life, often resulting in fatalities,” Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally remarked in a statement. “The charges and subsequent arrests have effectively dismantled a significant and perilous smuggling operation in the country.”
If found guilty on all counts, the accused could face penalties as severe as life imprisonment or potentially the death penalty.
