A Guatemalan man has admitted to running one of the largest human smuggling operations uncovered in the United States in recent years. Federal prosecutors say the network smuggled tens of thousands of migrants into the country and generated millions of dollars in illegal profits.
The man, who operated under several aliases, pleaded guilty in federal court and now faces the possibility of life in prison as authorities continue investigating others connected to the operation.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty in Massive Human Smuggling Operation
Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, 52, pleaded guilty in federal court to leading a large human smuggling network that brought thousands of migrants into the United States.
The plea was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
According to prosecutors, Renoj-Matul — also known as “Turko,” “El Jefe,” “Patrón,” and “El Gallo” — admitted to smuggling around 20,000 migrants from Guatemala into the U.S. between 2019 and July 2024.
Authorities say the operation was one of the largest human smuggling networks operating in the country.
Migrants Paid Thousands for Illegal Entry
Investigators said migrants paid between $15,000 and $18,000 each to be smuggled into the United States.
Renoj-Matul allegedly coordinated their journey from Guatemala through Mexico and into the U.S.
According to prosecutors:
- Mexican smuggling groups helped move migrants across the U.S.–Mexico border.
- Once inside the U.S., Renoj-Matul’s organization arranged transportation to various states.
- Drivers transported migrants across the country after they entered the country illegally.
Authorities said migrants were taken to states including:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Mississippi
- New York
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Network Used Drivers and Stash Houses
Prosecutors say the smuggling organization operated through a structured network.
The operation included:
- Smuggling cells coordinating migrant movement
- Drivers responsible for transporting migrants across the U.S.
- Stash houses where migrants were kept while awaiting further transport
One of the main stash houses was located in Los Angeles.
Authorities say migrants were sometimes held at these locations until their smuggling fees were fully paid.
Hostage Taking Allegations
As part of his guilty plea, Renoj-Matul admitted to holding migrants hostage to force payment.
According to prosecutors, one victim was held at a stash house from May 2024 to July 2024.
During that time, Renoj-Matul allegedly threatened the victim’s mother, warning that she could be harmed if the smuggling fees were not paid.
Another migrant was held from April 2024 to July 2024.
Authorities say Renoj-Matul threatened to kill or injure the victim if payment was not made.
These actions led to an additional federal charge of hostage taking.
Money Transfers and Financial Gain
Investigators said smuggling payments were moved between cities to fund the operation.
According to prosecutors:
- Money was transferred from Los Angeles to Phoenix.
- The funds were then distributed to Mexican smuggling groups.
- The money also covered the organization’s operational costs.
Renoj-Matul admitted in court that he carried out the crimes for personal financial gain.
Possible Life Sentence
Renoj-Matul pleaded guilty to:
- Conspiracy to bring, transport, and harbor migrants in the United States for financial gain
- Hostage taking
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 2.
Prosecutors say he faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Other Suspects Still Facing Charges
Several other people connected to the smuggling network are also facing federal charges.
Two alleged associates — José Paxtor-Oxlaj, 45, and Cristóbal Mejia-Chaj, 50 — are expected to go to trial on April 21.
Authorities say Paxtor-Oxlaj worked as a driver for the organization, while Mejia-Chaj acted as Renoj-Matul’s right-hand man.
Both men have pleaded not guilty.
Another suspect, Helmer Obispo-Hernández, 42, believed to be a lieutenant in the organization, remains a fugitive.
