Tijuana resident Alexis Castillo Padilla has entered a guilty plea in federal court to charges related to a scheme aimed at defrauding interstate carriers and brokers within the trucking industry. The case, which unfolded largely from Tijuana, Mexico, involved what is known as a "double-broker" scheme.
According to the plea agreement, Padilla impersonated a Spring Valley interstate carrier to accept delivery contracts under false pretenses. Instead of fulfilling these contracts, he re-brokered the loads to other carriers who unknowingly completed the deliveries. Padilla collected payments for these deliveries but failed to compensate the actual carriers.
Following his arrest in Italy and subsequent extradition to the United States on May 27, 2022, Padilla agreed as part of his plea deal to pay restitution estimated at $239,904.
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman commented on the case stating: "Padilla used deceit and deception to defraud freight brokers and interstate carriers trying to make an honest living moving goods throughout the United States." He added that despite committing these crimes from abroad, Padilla will be held accountable.
Andrea M. Kropf from the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General highlighted their dedication: “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to detecting and pursuing those who engage in egregious acts of fraud that negatively affect both businesses and consumers.”
The charges against Padilla include four counts of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, carrying a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
