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March 24, 2026Tampa, FL, United StatesFinancial Crimes

HSI Kansas City leads investigation resulting in federal prison sentence for Florida woman

The woman was sentenced for trafficking millions in illicit Microsoft authentication labels

TAMPA, Fla. — Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Justice announced the sentencing of Heidi Richards, 52, to 22 months in federal prison and a $50,000 fine following her conviction for conspiring to traffic in illicit Microsoft certificate of authenticity labels.

“HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of the technology marketplace and ensuring that consumers receive genuine products,” said HSI Kansas City Acting Special Agent in Charge Rick Sabatini. “This sentencing sends a clear message that those who attempt to exploit software authentication systems for personal gain will be held accountable.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Richards, operating as Trinity Software Distribution, paid co-conspirators millions of dollars for thousands of genuine, standalone Microsoft certificate of authenticity labels at prices significantly lower than the retail price of the associated software. Richards and her employees harvested product key codes from the labels and sold them in bulk to customers. Federal law prohibits trafficking standalone certificate of authenticity labels that are separate from the software programs they are intended to accompany.

These labels authenticate Microsoft software, help customers identify genuine software, and bear security features intended to dissuade counterfeiting. An illicit, secondary market for certificate of authenticity labels exists because they bear product key codes used to activate Microsoft software. The labels hold no independent commercial value.

HSI Kansas City investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Risha Asokan of the Middle District of Florida and trial attorney Jared Hosid of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866) 347-2423 or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about HSI Kansas City’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @HSIKansasCity.

Updated: 04/15/2026
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January 22, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesContraband

HSI LAX special agents seize over $3 million worth of gold jewelry

LOS ANGELES — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), in close collaboration with special agents from HSI O’Hare, seized approximately 5,200 pieces of 18 and 21 karat gold jewelry valued at over $3 million.

The gold jewelry was imported by a U.S. wholesaler who provided false documents and statements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding its the country of manufacture to evade U.S. tariffs applicable to gold jewelry. In this case, the importer falsely declared that the gold jewelry came from a country where tariffs are not applicable for personal gain to enrich their company. The shipment also included numerous pieces of jewelry containing unlicensed trademarks from well-known luxury brands.

HSI is investigating importers, exporters, manufacturers, retailers, and others in the jewelry supply chain engaged in fraud schemes involving an array of false representations, in violation of customs and financial reporting requirements.

Anyone with information on the illegal importation of gold and customs fraud are encouraged to call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.

Learn more about HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSILosAngeles.

Updated: 06/13/2025
September 30, 2025Dallas, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking, Worksite Enforcement

HSI-led operation targeting criminal sex trafficking at Dallas-area strip club results in 41 arrests

Left to right: Juan Carlos Salas Medina, Victor Manuel Manzano-Ramirez, Genaro Diaz-Perez, Gustavo Rojas-Garda, Julios Cesar Martinez

DALLAS — Homeland Security Investigations Dallas, with assistance from federal, state and local law enforcement, executed a criminal search warrant for suspected human trafficking and unlawful employment at the Chicas Bonitas Cabaret in Dallas Sept. 26.

Forty-one illegal aliens, including 29 suspected of illegally working at the club, were taken into custody by the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office for administrative immigration violations. Approximately $30,000 in U.S. currency and various business records were seized by HSI Dallas as part of their ongoing criminal investigation into the business.

“HSI Dallas is committed to eradicating the vile scourge of sex trafficking from our local communities,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “Working in conjunction with our federal and local partners and leveraging HSI’s unique investigative authorities, we were able to disrupt the suspected trafficking operation at this cabaret and are working to identify potential victims."

ICE continues to process aliens who were arrested during the operation, but at least five have been convicted of criminal offenses after illegally entering the U.S. and one has illegally entered the country at least 10 times including:

Juan Carlos Salas Medina, a 30-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, who has illegally entered the U.S. 10 times and been convicted of aggravated assault of a family member, possession of a controlled substance, and DUI.
Julios Cesar Martinez, a 47-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, who has been convicted three times for assault causing bodily injury and DUI.
Victor Manuel Manzano-Ramirez, a 47-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, who has illegally entered the U.S. twice and been convicted of DUI.
Gustavo Rojas-Garda, a 44-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, who has been convicted of DUI.
Genaro Diaz-Perez, a 44-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, who has been convicted of prostitution.

Law enforcement agencies that supported the operation included the Dallas Police Department, the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigative Division.

Updated: 09/30/2025
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January 21, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesOperational

HSI Los Angeles teaming with federal and local partners to form task force on combating crimes related to wildfires

LOS ANGELES — In the midst of an unprecedented natural disaster, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles has teamed up with federal and local law enforcement agencies to create the Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force (JRFCTF) to investigate and prosecute fire-related crimes as Los Angeles County recovers from devastating wildfires. The JRFCTF will focus on investigating and prosecuting criminal actors seeking to exploit the wildfire crisis.

The JRCTF includes representatives of HSI Los Angeles’ El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office; the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“Far too often, during tragic events like the Los Angeles-area wildfires, we have seen greedy individuals seek to line their pockets and divert critical funds from those most in need,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “HSI Los Angeles and partner agencies will do our part to help the region recover and rebuild by ensuring that disaster-related funds will go to individuals and families that lost loved ones.”

The JRCTF investigative focus will be on an assortment of crimes to include looting, burglary and impersonation offenses; crimes related to arson; illegal drone activity; and financial fraud targeting both disaster victims and those wishing to make charitable donations.

Fire victims are vulnerable to being re-victimized by fraud and theft. Its efforts focus on ensuring that relief funds reach those in need and working to swiftly prosecutor those engaged in defrauding donors.

While generous people around the world are making donations to assist victims, this creates opportunities for scams as criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent solicitations or creating deceiving websites. Potential donors are urged to make donations only to known entities and to avoid giving donations in cash or via wire transfer.

The JRCTF will also investigate the misuse of aid programs administered by government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration. As financial resources are being deployed to support homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses affected by the fires, any attempt to misuse these funds through fraud or identity theft will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.

Anyone with information on financial fraud crimes related to the Los Angeles Area Wildfires are encouraged to call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.

Learn more about HSI’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSILosAngeles.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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January 29, 2025Miami, FL, United StatesFinancial Crimes

HSI Miami-Key West investigation leads to 2 Ukrainian nationals sentenced for $25m tax evasion, money laundering and labor exploitation conspiracy

Defendants prosecuted as part of Operation RoomKey

MIAMI — Two Ukrainian nationals who were extradited from the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States in September 2024 were sentenced Jan. 27 on charges related to labor-staffing companies they operated in Florida.

Oleg Oliynyk and Oleksandr Yurchyk were each sentenced to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit money laundering after a joint investigation between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami-Key West and IRS Criminal Investigation.

According to court documents, Oliynyk, Yurchyk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in South Florida — including Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning LLC, Tropical City Services LLC and Tropical City Group LLC — from at least April 2008 and August 2021. Through these staffing companies, Oliynyk, Yurchyk and co-defendants Oleksandr Morgunov, Mykhaylo Chugay and Volodymyr Ogorodnychuk facilitated the employment of non-resident aliens in the hospitality industry who were not authorized to work in the United States and helped evade the assessment and collection of more than $25 million of federal income and employment taxes.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez ordered Oliynyk and Yurchyk to each serve three years of supervised release, pay $10,863,233.05 in restitution to the United States and to forfeit $11 million.

Oliynyk and Yurchyk are the latest defendants sentenced as part of Operation RoomKey, a joint criminal investigation initiative led by the Tax Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael S. Davis for the Southern District of Florida and acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

Senior Litigation Counsel Chris Clark of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty, and Trial Attorneys Jessica A. Kraft, Matthew C. Hicks, and Wilson Rae Stamm of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida or on Pacer under case number 21-cr-10009.

Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.

Learn more about HSI’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSI_Miami.

Updated: 06/04/2025
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February 3, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesNarcotics, Financial Crimes

HSI Newark investigation leads to conviction of New Jersey man on financial crimes and trafficking fentanyl-related substances

NEWARK, N.J. — A New Jersey man was convicted by a jury in connection with his role in a drug trafficking organization following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark.

On Jan. 29, William Panzera, 51, of North Haledon, New Jersey was convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy and international promotional money laundering conspiracy at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The drug trafficking organization is responsible for the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues Eight other defendants have previously pleaded guilty in related cases.

HSI Newark is investigating the case with support from HSI Philadelphia, the FBI Newark Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Newark Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office provided valuable assistance.

According to the investigation, from approximately January 2014 through September 2020, Panzera and other members of the drug trafficking organization, agreed to import and distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl analogues, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylone, and ketamine. Co-conspirators ordered controlled substances and analogues from a source in China and paid those sources hundreds of thousands of dollars via wire transfer and cryptocurrency. The conspirators distributed the substances in bulk and in the form of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills that actually contained fentanyl analogues throughout New Jersey.

The jury convicted Panzera of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of furanyl fentanyl and 4 fluoro isobutyryl fentanyl and international promotional money laundering conspiracy. Panzera faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million for the drug trafficking conspiracy charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for the money laundering conspiracy charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSINewark to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.

Updated: 06/13/2025
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February 4, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesChild Exploitation

HSI Newark investigation results in North Carolina man charged with child exploitation related crimes

NEWARK, N.J. - A North Carolina man was charged for crimes related to child sexual abuse material following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark with support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Barry Grant Bevier, 61, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was charged by complaint with one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. He appeared in federal court Jan. 30 and was detained.

According to the investigation, on Nov. 26, 2024, Bevier returned from an international trip aboard a flight that landed at Newark Liberty International Airport. After Bevier arrived in Newark, law enforcement officers searched Bevier’s cellular phone and found approximately 45 photographs and approximately 21 videos depicting child sexual abuse material. The officers found multiple photographs and videos of child sexual abuse material that Bevier took himself, along with a “selfie” image of himself and one of the victims.

The charge of transportation of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSINewark to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.

Updated: 06/13/2025
September 30, 2025Phoeniz, AZ, United StatesDocument and Benefit Fraud

HSI Phoenix arrests 11 illegal aliens charged with document fraud and false claims of US citizenship

PHOENIX, Ariz. — ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested 11 illegal aliens between Sept. 10 and Sept. 22 for using counterfeit state IDs, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards to gain employment in Arizona. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

“These arrests send a clear message that we will not tolerate the use of fraudulent documents to undermine our immigration and employment systems,” said HSI Arizona Acting Special Agent in Charge Ray Rede. “HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of our nation’s laws and ensuring those who violate them are held accountable.”

Read more at Justice.gov.

Updated: 09/30/2025
February 6, 2025Brownsville, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

HSI RGV, Federal partners investigation results in the sentencing of a South Texas man for a deadly human smuggling event

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced for conspiring to smuggle illegal aliens, resulting in multiple deaths, following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations; police departments in Port Mansfield and South Padre Island; Texas Rangers; Texas Game Wardens; sheriff’s offices in Kenedy, Duval, and Willacy Counties; and the Willacy County District Attorney’s Office.

Jose Refugio Torres, 28, from Roma, Texas, was sentenced on Feb. 5 by U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera to serve 36 months in prison, immediately followed by one year of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the severity of human smuggling involving death and admonished Torres that should he ever return to the smuggling business, he could be facing potential life in federal prison. Torres pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2023.

“HSI is dedicated to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of citizens across all communities in the United States,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “We will remain focused on investigating and dismantling transnational criminal organizations that jeopardize the well-being of individuals.”

“As this case sadly demonstrates, human smuggling is a crime that takes lives and puts the public at risk,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Nicolas J. Ganjei. “Securing the border is the Southern District of Texas’ number one priority, and breaking up these smuggling rings is a key component of that. We will continue to use all available resources to aggressively pursue those who flout our immigration laws and put profit ahead of human lives.”

According to court documents, Torres was involved in the attempted smuggling of illegal aliens in March 2019 by motor vehicle from the Rio Grande Valley to destinations within the United States. During this failed attempt in Duval County, a vehicle rolled over and caused the deaths of four people and serious injuries to six others.

The victims included citizens of Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador, as well as a 17-year-old boy from Ecuador.

Torres was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons, the specific facility will be determined at a later date.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose E. Arreola Jr. and Jose Esquivel Jr. from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 02/06/2025
January 29, 2025McAllen, TX, United StatesNarcotics

HSI RGV, multi-agency investigation results in the sentencing of a former deputy sheriff for drug trafficking

MCALLEN, Texas — A former deputy with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office was ordered to prison following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Rio Grande Valley (RGV), in coordination with the FBI, conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and Mission Police Department.

Baldemar Cardenas, 39, from McAllen, was sentenced Jan. 28 by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane to serve 46 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his position as a deputy at the time of the offense and the serious issues with law enforcement authorities assisting drug traffickers. Cardenas pleaded guilty April 1, 2022. At the time of his plea, Cardenas admitted that in January 2020, he conspired with a drug trafficking organization.

According to court documents, members of the group would receive kilogram quantities of highly pure cocaine. They would then utilize small portions of the drugs to create sham cocaine with very low purity.

Cardenas ensured authorities seized the fake bundles by providing information to local law enforcement agencies. The information would enable authorities to conduct the seizure of the low purity cocaine, allow co-conspirators to avoid responsibility for stealing the cocaine from their source of supply and the distribution of the stolen cocaine for profit.

In order to further the scheme and in exchange for compensation, Cardenas provided information to local law enforcement in January 2020 in order to effectuate the seizure of approximately 33 kilograms of sham cocaine bundles. Cardenas falsely claimed a confidential source provided the information. Based on the information he gave, law enforcement seized the multi-kilogram sham bundles of cocaine in Mission.

Laboratory testing on the bundles revealed a cocaine purity level of only 1.5%.

Cardenas was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 02/06/2025