Iranian Captured in Pereira Posed as Fabric Seller While Leading Migrant Network
In a joint operation between the Attorney General's Office, the National Police's search bloc, and the U.S. National Security Agency (HSI), Iranian citizen Jafar Tarakory was captured in Pereira, accused of leading a transnational network dedicated to migrant trafficking.
TL;DR
- Iranian citizen Jafar Tarakory was captured in Pereira, Colombia.
- He is accused of leading a transnational network dedicated to migrant trafficking.
- Tarakory allegedly posed as a fabric and clothing merchant for two years.
- The network charged up to $30,000 per person for transport, lodging, food, and accompaniment through Colombia, Central America, and Mexico.
- Electronic equipment and cash were seized during the operation.
- Tarakory faces extradition to a U.S. District Court in Texas for charges including conspiracy and migrant trafficking.
- He is accused of illegally introducing a significant number of migrants into the U.S. between December 2022 and May 2024.