13 Charged in $1.14 Million Stolen Vehicle Network to Mexico

Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas have charged 13 individuals with moving stolen vehicles across the border to support Mexican cartels. The group, operating under the name Operation Southbound Takedown, allegedly stole cars and trucks from private owners and rental companies before driving them through El Paso.

Authorities recovered 29 vehicles valued at an estimated $1.14 million during the investigation. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the vehicles were transported into Mexico where they facilitated daily criminal operations. The investigation began in the spring after agents identified a pattern of stolen cars being moved to individuals linked to foreign criminal organizations.

Ryan G. McRae, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso, stated that the thefts were not isolated property crimes. He described the recovered vehicles as evidence of a pattern supporting dangerous criminal organizations. Photos released by the office showed a damaged white SUV found in Mexico, alongside an armored black SUV and an armored pickup truck.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons said cartels exploit individuals seeking quick financial gains to further their operations. He listed human smuggling, extortion, drug trafficking, and murder as activities supported by the stolen vehicles. Simmons warned that federal prosecutors would pursue those who transport stolen cars out of the country.

Eleven of the 13 charged are U.S. citizens, while two are Mexican citizens. One Mexican national holds a lawful permanent resident card, and the other has a border crossing card. Two Americans, Kimberly Aguilar and Marty Gerardo Jr., are currently in state custody. The remaining 11 were federally indicted and arrested between July 22 and October 19.

All 13 defendants face charges for interstate transportation of stolen property. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and other agencies working within the Homeland Security Task Force. McRae noted that authorities worked with private sector partners to disrupt the network across the United States and Mexico.

FBI El Paso Acting Special Agent in Charge Coult W. Markovsky addressed individuals assisting the cartels. He stated that justice will find those who help foreign criminal organizations with stolen vehicles.