The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John J. Durham, has announced the formation of a new initiative aimed at tackling transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The Eastern District's Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force will focus on investigating and prosecuting cartels and TCOs by bringing charges such as terrorism and racketeering.
"I am establishing this Strike Force with immense pride in what this Office has already accomplished, as well as the knowledge that there is much more work to be done in the fight against TCOs," stated United States Attorney Durham. "Because of my Office’s significant experience and expertise in this area, we have a responsibility to our community and our country to dismantle these ruthless organizations from the top down in order to stop the violence, flow of drugs, and dangers they unleash in our District and across the nation."
The Eastern District of New York has been instrumental in prosecuting major TCOs over two decades, including leaders from groups like La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and various Mexican drug cartels. The office has also pursued other gangs with significant operations within its jurisdiction.
The Strike Force's mission aligns with an Attorney General memorandum titled “TOTAL ELIMINATION OF CARTELS AND TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS,” issued following President Trump's Executive Order concerning TCOs. Its objectives include disrupting activities related to drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime schemes.
Francisco J. Navarro will serve as Director of the Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan E. Farrell and Gabriel Park have been appointed as Deputy Directors. The team will consist of representatives from each section of the Criminal Division along with OCDETF-designated AUSAs.
Navarro joined the Department in 2013 and has prosecuted cases involving narcotics, national security threats, and white-collar crimes. He leads prosecutions against high-profile figures like Rafael Caro Quintero for leading a criminal enterprise.
Farrell has focused on organized crime cases during her tenure since joining in 2018. She played roles in securing convictions against MS-13 members for various charges including racketeering linked to multiple murders.
Park joined the office in 2022 after serving in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He has prosecuted violent organized crime cases resulting in life sentences for murder-for-hire schemes.
This newly established Strike Force aims to strengthen collaboration with federal law enforcement partners across several agencies while enhancing partnerships within different components of the Department of Justice.
