Three individuals from Texas have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios border region. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the sentences, which were part of a broader scheme involving extortion and money laundering.
Pedro Antonio Calvillo Hernandez, 50, from McAllen, and Mireya Miranda, 59, from San Antonio, pleaded guilty to charges related to price-fixing and market allocation within the transmigrante industry. Hernandez also admitted to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion and received a 37-month prison sentence. Miranda was sentenced to 10 months of home detention. Jose de Jesus Tapia Fernandez, 47, from Brownsville, was sentenced to 31 months in prison for his role in a money laundering conspiracy linked to the extortion proceeds.
Both Hernandez and Miranda are required to pay fines of $75,000 each, while Fernandez must pay $50,000. Restitution amounts will be determined later.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei emphasized the detrimental impact of price-fixing on markets: “Price fixing is an attempt to distort the market in favor of the fixer and to the detriment of basically everyone else.” He added that such manipulation is exacerbated when enforced through threats and violence.
Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater highlighted the Justice Department's commitment: “Today’s sentences demonstrate the Antitrust Division’s commitment to pursuing incarceration for both white-collar and violent criminals who seek to exploit America’s free markets.”
FBI Special Agent Aaron Tapp reaffirmed their dedication: “The FBI remains committed to combatting...corrupt business practices such as price-fixing that harm honest business owners.”
ICE-HSI Special Agent Craig Larrabee commented on economic integrity: “These sentencings reaffirm our unwavering commitment...to safeguarding economic integrity at our nation’s borders.”
Transmigrantes transport used vehicles through Mexico for resale in Central America. The conspirators fixed prices for forwarding services and created a centralized entity known as "the pool" for revenue collection among themselves.
To date, five others have been convicted in this case. Carlos Martinez from McAllen was identified as a leader and received an 11-year sentence. Three others remain fugitives.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and ICE-HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum led prosecution efforts alongside several trial attorneys.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact authorities via provided channels.
