Two people suspected of leading a human trafficking ring in the US state of Massachusetts have been arrested. The father and son under investigation hold Brazilian citizenship and, according to the United States Department of Justice, Woburn runs two restaurants in Taste of Brazil – Tudo No Brasa and Dog House.
Jesse James Moraes, 64, and Hugo Giovanni Moraes, 42, were accused of orchestrating a coup d’état in which they persuaded other Brazilians to enter the United States, qualify travel and offer jobs, but expect to gain financial advantages from illegal immigration already. They are suspected of exploiting people living in the United States without a visa, breaking the law and leaving them in a vulnerable situation.
A third man, identified as 29-year-old Marcos Chacon, was also arrested and charged with delivering false documents to victims and assisting in the immigration of a foreigner who had been deported on another occasion.
The investigation appeared yesterday afternoon in a federal court in Boston for his first statement, and he should remain in custody at least until his probation hearing, but there is no date yet.
According to the Justice Department investigation, the plan began in Brazil with Jesse’s sister, Chelbe Moraes. The man, still living in his home country, charged a fee of between US$18,000 and US$22,000 (R$93,000 to R$113,000 at the current rate) to transport the victims to the United States.
Jesse and Hugo would recruit immigrants at their restaurant in Woburn when they arrived in the foreign country, but provided they did not receive full pay until they had paid their travel debts and false documents including asylum applications or visas. .
Despite not living in North America, Chelbe was also charged with alleged human trafficking and facing a money laundering lawsuit.
The initial charge of cooperating and encouraging people to enter the United States illegally for financial gain can carry a penalty of 10 years in prison, three years’ probation and a fine of up to $250,000. Assisting a deported immigrant to return to the country carries up to two years in prison, three years’ probation and a $250,000 fine. Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, three years’ probation, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount transferred in the program, whichever is greater.
There is still no speculation that the suspects will be prosecuted by US Justice, or further information about the victims involved.
HE UOL He contacted Jesse and Hugo’s restaurants via email to seek a position for the father and son defense, but has yet to receive a response. Chelbe did not return to Facebook’s messages until the publication of the report. The area remains open for the manifestation of suspects.
source: Noticias
