Orlando, Florida

METROPOLITAN BUREAU of INVESTIGATION WWW.MBI-POLICE.ORG Since 1978 Telephone: (407) 836-9701 Facsimile: (407) 836-9743

JOSEPH COCCHIARELLA MBI DIRECTOR

Orlando, Florida September 21, 2015

The Governing Board members of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) law enforcement task force announce the conclusion of a complex long-term investigation and the dismantling of a human trafficking and heroin trafficking criminal organization. Charges have been filed in Circuit court by the Attorney General of Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) task force has concluded a two year investigation into a criminal Racketeering-RICO Organization heavily involved in Human Trafficking, heroin drug trafficking, and organized commercial sexual activity.

During the investigation, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI), partner and member agencies utilized a variety of technology and covert investigative methods to gain evidence on the organization’s members and their activities. This evidence obtained clearly showed that the organization used violence, drugs, and addictions to profit on the labors and bodies of the victims of modern day sexual slavery. Victims of the organization were, both, adults and juveniles.

Based on that evidence, the Attorney General of Florida’s Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSWP) has filed charges in State Circuit Court MBI Media Release Page 2 against 25 persons for offenses such as Racketeering-RICO, Human Trafficking, Human Trafficking of a Minor, Trafficking in Heroin, and Trafficking in Cocaine.

This complex MBI investigation, which successfully dismantled a criminal gang, demonstrates the results that can be obtained when law enforcement agencies combine their efforts, strategies, and talents. Investigators from all the local, state and federal agencies in the MBI task force worked together to apply a variety of technology and investigative strategies. As an example, the lead team of case agents were from the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and also the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), backed up by Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, and Special Agents from the other Central Florida law enforcement agencies that are part of the MBI.

 A list of the 25 persons charged, and charges filed, are attached.

 Also attached, is a list of the results of the seven search warrants executed.

The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is a multi-agency Narcotics, Vice, and Organized Crime Law Enforcement Task Force in Orange and Osceola Counties. The member agencies of MBI are the State Attorney of the Ninth Judicial Circuit; Sheriff of Orange County; Orlando Police Department; Winter Park Police Department; Apopka Police Department; Winter Garden Police Department; University of Central Florida Police Department; Sheriff of Osceola County; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Ocoee Police Department; Florida Highway Patrol; United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement; United States Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Secret Service.