An individual from Guatemala has been arrested in Los Angeles on charges of leading a significant human smuggling operation. Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, known as "Turko," and his associate Cristobal Mejia-Chaj were taken into custody last Friday. They are accused of running an organization that smuggled around 20,000 illegal immigrants from Guatemala to the United States over five years. The indictment alleges the operation resulted in the deaths of seven people, including a child, due to a car accident in Oklahoma.
Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj have been charged with conspiracy to bring, transport, and harbor aliens for financial gain resulting in death. Additionally, they face charges related to hostage-taking. Two other individuals connected to the case are Helmer Obispo-Hernandez and Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj. Obispo-Hernandez is currently at large, while Paxtor-Oxlaj is incarcerated for his role in the fatal car accident.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally stated: “These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills.” He emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws to prevent such operations. John Pasciucco from Homeland Security Investigations also commented on the dangers posed by these organizations.
The criminal organization allegedly operated for over a decade, facilitating illegal entry into the U.S., particularly between Phoenix and Los Angeles. Mexican smugglers assisted by transporting immigrants across borders where they were later held or moved within stash houses if fees were unpaid.
If convicted, those involved could face severe penalties including life imprisonment or even death sentences. Additional arrests include Rolando Gomez-Gomez and Juan Lopez Garcia on related charges.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including HSI’s task forces and local law enforcement departments.