The U.S. Department of Justice announced the sentencing of three defendants linked to a long-standing conspiracy aimed at monopolizing the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios, Texas area. The defendants utilized fear, extortion, and violence to control the market and launder the proceeds from their illegal activities.

Pedro Antonio Calvillo Hernandez received a 37-month prison sentence along with a $50,000 fine after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to fix prices and monopolize the market. Jose de Jesus Tapia Fernandez was sentenced to time served, totaling 31 months, for his role in laundering money obtained through extortion. Mireya Miranda was sentenced to 10 months of home detention and fined $75,000 for similar charges.

Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater emphasized the serious threat posed by such violent and extortionate practices, highlighting the commitment of the Antitrust Division to pursue both white-collar and violent criminals. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei condemned price fixing as a distortion of the market that harms consumers and honest businesses.

The conspirators established a centralized entity known as the “Pool” to control pricing and limit competition among forwarding agencies. They also employed intimidation tactics, including extortion fees for transactions processed outside of their rules. The court will determine the restitution amount owed to victims in a hearing scheduled for September 3.

Four co-defendants have already been sentenced, while others remain fugitives. The case was investigated by multiple federal agencies, including the Antitrust Division and the FBI, showcasing a collaborative effort to dismantle criminal enterprises that undermine market integrity.