Suspected Cash Smuggler Indicted In Laredo Federal Court

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

A man has been indicted in a Laredo federal court for the smuggling attempt of $23,000, according to court documents.

On April 16, a grand jury charged Carlos Treviño with bulk cash smuggling into or out of the United States. He faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted.

An initial probable cause affidavit states that the amount of money to be smuggled was about $125,000. But the recent indictment rendered stated the actual amount is $23,000.

In February, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Tactical Analytical Unit identified an individual with border crossing patterns consistent with smuggling activity, authorities said.

Authorities identified the individual as Treviño. Further investigation revealed he made repeated short duration trips from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to Dallas, Texas, often returning to Nuevo Laredo the same day.

Treviño would use a black Kia Sportage to cross the border. At about 6:38 p.m. March 22, CBP officers observed the Kia attempting to exit the United States via the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge.

Identified as the driver, Treviño gave CBP officers a negative declaration for more than $10,000 in cash. CBP officers then discovered $5,000 in his pocket during the inspection, the affidavit states.

CBP officers then inspected the vehicle and discovered $18,000 concealed under the seat, according to court documents. Homeland Security Investigation special agents took over the case.

Treviño admitted to attempting to smuggle the money from Dallas, Texas, to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, in exchange for $500 in payment, court documents state.

“Treviño stated he had successfully smuggled bulk currency from Dallas to Nuevo Laredo on three or four occasions in the past. Treviño said he was paid between $500 and $1,000 for each of the previous smuggling events,” states the affidavit.

Treviño added he picked up the money from an unknown male in Dallas and delivered it to an acquaintance of his in Nuevo Laredo, authorities said.

“Treviño said he crosses the international border daily and knew that he was required to report any currency over $10,000,” the affidavit states.

Laredo Morning Times