US officials have arrested a network of sex traffickers, including Josmar Jesús Zambrano Chirinos, a suspected ringleader and member of the criminal gang "Tren de Aragua." The group operates in Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, and Florida and has reportedly impacted at least two victims. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations Office in Baton Rouge received a tip about a potential sex trafficking case on April 17 from the Border Patrol Intelligence Unit in El Paso, Texas.
One victim claimed to be under Zambrano Chirinos' direction, identifying him as the head of the American sex trafficking ring. She claimed that Zambrano Chirinos paid for her unauthorized entry into the country via El Paso and then took advantage of her sexually. The victim believed that the Aragua Train may be abusing at least thirty women in similar circumstances throughout the United States.
Attorneys were arrested on April 26 after a woman reported being forced to have sex for money. Police discovered sex toys, over $1,000 in cash, and a ledger with information on the victims' purported debts. Allbert Herrera Machado was arrested during the operation, admitting his job was to find customers for the exploited women. He claimed to have only been in the country for two weeks and had taken up employment out of need. His bail was $200,000.
Based on the evidence seized after Zambrano and Chourio Díaz's arrest, Homeland Security officers believe there are more stash houses dispersed around the eastern United States. This incident demonstrates how the Aragua Train has spread internationally, impacting cities throughout Latin America and even the United States, in addition to Venezuela.
One victim claimed to be under Zambrano Chirinos' direction, identifying him as the head of the American sex trafficking ring. She claimed that Zambrano Chirinos paid for her unauthorized entry into the country via El Paso and then took advantage of her sexually. The victim believed that the Aragua Train may be abusing at least thirty women in similar circumstances throughout the United States.
Attorneys were arrested on April 26 after a woman reported being forced to have sex for money. Police discovered sex toys, over $1,000 in cash, and a ledger with information on the victims' purported debts. Allbert Herrera Machado was arrested during the operation, admitting his job was to find customers for the exploited women. He claimed to have only been in the country for two weeks and had taken up employment out of need. His bail was $200,000.
Based on the evidence seized after Zambrano and Chourio Díaz's arrest, Homeland Security officers believe there are more stash houses dispersed around the eastern United States. This incident demonstrates how the Aragua Train has spread internationally, impacting cities throughout Latin America and even the United States, in addition to Venezuela.
