Cuban Trafficking Network Leader Caught in Colombia

Cristóbal Paulino Fernández, a Cuban national accused of leading a transnational women trafficking network, was apprehended in Colombia and extradited to Mexico.

Fernández, who posed as a businessman in Yucatán, Mexico, is believed to be the head of this criminal organization. He is also the owner of several night clubs including Candela, Tropicana Angus, and Bandidas, as well as seven brothels scattered across Mérida. These establishments were recently raided by the Attorney General's Office.

In a joint operation with the Army, several young Colombian women who were forced to dance and offer "services" to clients were rescued. The Attorney General's Office, through the Special Prosecutor's Office for Crimes of Violence against Women, Groups in Vulnerable Situations and Trafficking in Persons (FEVIMTRA), executed search warrants at seven properties in Mérida where trafficking victims were allegedly held captive.

This operation was a coordinated effort with Colombian authorities, resulting in the raid of the aforementioned properties and three clubs in the city. The Federal Ministerial Police (PFM), assigned to the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC), led the operation with the support of the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA), which provided perimeter security.

Following the operation, eight Colombian victims were rescued and Soledad "A" was arrested. She is believed to be a key operator in Mérida for the transnational criminal network. At the same time, in collaboration with South American authorities and Interpol, the alleged network leader, Cristóbal Paulino Fernández, was arrested. He is currently undergoing legal procedures for his presentation before Mexican authorities.

Federal authorities are also investigating several associates of Fernández who allegedly operated with impunity, paying large sums of money to conduct their operations in the state of Yucatán.