A federal indictment unsealed on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, charges Abdul Karim Conteh, 42, a Sierra Leone national, with leading a human smuggling organization that allegedly brought thousands of migrants into the U.S. unlawfully.
Conteh was arrested in Tijuana, Mexico, on July 11 at the request of the U.S. and faces extradition to stand trial for his alleged crimes.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury also imposed financial sanctions on Conteh and his organization, adding them to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
This action stems from the collaborative efforts of U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated:
“Conteh and his organization are accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants for profit, endangering their lives, and undermining national security. His arrest and forthcoming prosecution are significant steps toward dismantling this dangerous network.”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas added:
“Human smugglers prey on the desperation of migrants. We are committed to holding these criminals accountable and protecting those they exploit.”
The indictment details how Conteh’s organization allegedly smuggled migrants from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Somalia through Mexico into the U.S., charging them exorbitant fees for the journey.
The organization utilized various routes through Central and South America to facilitate the illegal crossings.
Conteh and his associates, including his wife Veronica Roblero Pivaral, who remains at large, face charges of conspiracy to smuggle migrants into the U.S., carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison for each count of smuggling.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), established in June 2021, played a crucial role in the investigation.
JTFA aims to combat human smuggling and trafficking in the region and has been instrumental in over 310 arrests and 250 convictions to date.
