The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that eight Venezuelan nationals were arrested in Tennessee and charged in connection with a transnational human trafficking and prostitution ring. Prosecutors say the suspects operated out of Memphis, Tennessee, bringing women into the U.S. illegally and forcing them into prostitution.
A four-count indictment unsealed Tuesday details how the suspects facilitated illegal immigration, advertised women for prostitution on online platforms, and used cell phones to coordinate meetings at motels. The DOJ press release stated that this case highlights the growing presence of the violent Venezuelan street gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), in the United States.
“This indictment demonstrates our commitment to stop human trafficking whenever and wherever we find it, and to hold those involved accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. He emphasized the need to dismantle criminal networks like TdA while targeting individuals involved in trafficking women and girls.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud called the arrests a “significant step forward” in the fight against human trafficking and transnational organized crime. Saoud also stressed the importance of cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies in combatting these crimes.
Those arrested include:
- Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, 51
- Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero, 35
- Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca, 39
- Wilmarys Del Valle Manzano Solorzano, 22
- Frankyanna Del Valle Romero-Rivero, 30
- Endrik Alexander Morales-Rivero, 25
- Jesus Enrique Castillo Rodriguez, 24
- Ariannys Beatriz Gutierrez-Carrillo, 24
The defendants face charges including human trafficking, prostitution, and firearm-related offenses. Penalties range from five years to life in prison.
This case underscores the growing concerns about international crime syndicates exploiting U.S. immigration policies and highlights ongoing federal efforts to combat human trafficking.
