Social media human smuggling scheme charges multiple Arizonans – AZCentral

The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona announced that 22 individuals have been charged with conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants for profit, after using social media platforms, including Snapchat, as a way to recruit people for human smuggling.The agency announced Tuesday the recent unsealing of 13 indictments. Each indictment charged a human smuggling coordinator who used social media platforms, including Snapchat, to recruit Arizonans to transport undocumented noncitizens for money.The Attorney’s Office said many of the posts claim drivers can make large amounts of money without the risk of being arrested. They said once the coordinators recruited drivers on social media, they would often switch to WhatsApp to coordinate logistics.Law enforcement was able to identify many of the indicted coordinators through law enforcement contacts, data from cell phones and social media accounts.If convicted, the 22 individuals could face 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Facebook Twitter Email
Read More