Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A former member of the Mexican National Guard, Luis Enrique Guzman Pablo, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Pablo, who worked at customs in Matamoros, Mexico, was responsible for inspecting vehicles departing from the United States into Mexico. Between May and July 2024, he facilitated the entry of stolen vehicles into Mexico for compensation.
As part of this scheme, co-conspirators would provide Pablo with vehicle descriptions to be exported. He ensured these stolen vehicles passed through inspection without being denied entry into Mexico. In one instance in May 2024, Pablo assisted in exporting a stolen Chevrolet Trailblazer via the Veteran’s International Bridge from Brownsville to Matamoros in exchange for payment.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei commented on the case: “No matter what side of the border or what country they represent, we expect all authorities to do their duties and respect the law.” He added that Pablo abused his position for personal gain and emphasized that “The Southern District of Texas will continue to ensure those like him face the appropriate consequences.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane is set to impose sentencing on May 13. Pablo faces up to five years in prison and a potential $250,000 fine. He remains in custody until then.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and FBI with assistance from Customs and Border Protection and Mexico's Fiscalia General de la Republica.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at identifying and dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States through a multi-agency approach led by prosecutors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina D. DiPiazza are handling prosecution duties.
