Mexican National Guard member let stolen cars through US border for months, federal agents say

The Latin Times, By Hector Rios Morales, July 17, 2024

SEATTLE — Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Luis Enrique Guzmán Pablo, a member of the Mexican National Guard assigned to customs in Matamoros, and charged him with conspiracy to defraud the United States in a scheme that saw him work with criminal groups to allow stolen vehicles to cross into Mexico.

Federal authorities arrested Guzmán on July 13 after an interview at the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates, one of three international bridges that connect Mexico and the United through the cities of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

Veterans International Bridge sees an average traffic of about 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis, including about 800 trucks. Guzman told investigators that he had been previously contacted by co-conspirators who wanted him to allow stolen vehicles to cross into Mexico. A search of Guzmán's cellphone showed proof of a red Chevrolet Blazer that crossed into Mexico on May 19 after being reported stolen to the Brownsville Police Department.

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