Two Men Indicted in “Elaborate” Human Smuggling and Money Laundering Scheme Investigated by HSI New England
Two men have been indicted in Vermont on federal charges related to an elaborate human smuggling and money laundering operation that allegedly moved foreign nationals from Canada into the United States. The indictment, unsealed earlier this week, follows an extensive investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England and partner agencies under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA).
Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado, 27, a Dominican national illegally present in the U.S., and Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, 37, of Puerto Rico, face charges of conspiracy to smuggle aliens into the United States for financial gain. Luna Rosado faces additional counts of money laundering for allegedly funneling the illicit proceeds through the U.S. banking system.
Deep Search: Inside the Alleged Operation
According to court documents, the operation ran from at least August 2022 to March 2024 and utilized a sophisticated network of logistics to bypass border security. Investigators allege that the defendants coordinated the movement of migrants from Mexico, Central America, and South America. The individuals would fly into Canada and travel to the Quebec-Vermont border region.
The indictment describes a tech-savvy approach where Luna Rosado allegedly used live cellular location data to guide migrants on foot across the international boundary into the woods of northern Vermont. Once across, the migrants were reportedly picked up by drivers, including Hernandez Ortiz, who were dispatched through an encrypted chat group involving approximately 70 participants.
The scheme allegedly culminated in the transport of these individuals to New York City. Upon arrival, migrants reportedly paid smuggling fees in cash. Prosecutors claim Luna Rosado then deposited these funds into the financial system, conducting transactions exceeding $10,000 to conceal the source of the money.
Defense Perspectives and Legal Objections
While the indictment outlines a detailed conspiracy, legal experts note that the defense will likely challenge key aspects of the government’s case. In complex smuggling prosecutions relying heavily on digital evidence, defense attorneys frequently question the attribution of encrypted messages. Establishing that a specific defendant was the actual user behind a digital handle in a 70-person chat group can be a significant hurdle for prosecutors.
Furthermore, regarding the money laundering charges, the defense may argue a “lack of knowledge” or intent. To secure a conviction, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knew the funds were proceeds of a specific unlawful activity and intended to conceal them. Defense counsel might argue that transactions were legitimate or that the defendant was unaware of the illicit origin of the cash, shifting the burden of proof back to the government to demonstrate criminal intent.
As in all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Background: The Rise of Northern Border Smuggling
This case highlights a growing trend of human smuggling organizations exploiting the U.S.-Canada border. While historically less trafficked than the southern border, the Swanton Sector—which includes Vermont—has seen a sharp increase in illicit crossings in recent years.
The investigation was spearheaded by Joint Task Force Alpha, a specialized unit created by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to dismantle the most dangerous transnational human smuggling networks. The task force focuses heavily on following the money, aiming to disrupt the financial infrastructure that makes human smuggling a multi-billion dollar global industry.
Both men remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. If convicted, they face significant federal prison sentences, with enhanced penalties possible due to the alleged financial scale of the operation.
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