MIAMI – On September 15, 2022, Didier Perez Perez, Lester Leyniel Soca Diaz, and Yoandy Alonso were indicted by a Miami Southern District of Florida Grand Jury for transporting Cuban nationals into the U.S. via Monroe County, Fla., to a migrant stash house in Hialeah, Fla., where they were held for a requested ransom of $15,000.
Migrants were threatened—to include being told they would be left in the middle of the ocean if their smuggling debts were not paid. Law enforcement rescued the captured migrants and busted the alien transport ring by accompanying a victim’s friend to the hostage exchange point.
The three men were charged with: Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Aliens for Profit; Transporting Aliens for Profit; Conspiracy to Commit Hostage Taking; and Hostage Taking. All three defendants have been detained pending trial.
If you believe you are a victim of migrant coercion or extortion or know someone who is, you are encouraged to call 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324). The toll-free phone number is available 24 hours a day all year. Help is available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
DOJ
