Assistant US Attorney Kyle Martin (619) 546-7726
PRESS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 5, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Victor Hugo Anez Vaca Diez, aka Chi Chi, the alleged leader of a major transnational criminal organization, was arraigned yesterday in federal court after being extradited to the United States from Argentina.
On August 18, 2017, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California returned a superseding indictment charging Anez Vaca with conspiracy to distribute cocaine with intent to import that cocaine into the United States, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to launder monetary funds. instruments.
Anez Vaca, a citizen of Bolivia, was arrested at the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January 2022, at the request of the United States of America, based on a red warrant issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Since his arrest, Anez Vaca has remained in custody awaiting extradition to the United States. The United States Marshals Service transported him from Buenos Aires to San Diego on October 3, 2022, and he was arraigned the next day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Butcher.
“Today is a reminder that international drug traffickers who profit by shipping narcotics into our community are not safe from prosecution,” said US Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will work with our international partners to bring them to justice wherever they travel.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations for their excellent work on the case. He also thanked INTERPOL, the Government of Argentina and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Anez Vaca.
“The extradition of Anez Vaca Diez to the United States is a perfect example of the broad reach of homeland security investigations and the successful partnership fostered with our international colleagues,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge of HSI San Diego. “This extradition should send a clear message to those who believe they can evade law enforcement. We will find you and work to bring you to the US to face justice.”
“The DEA continues to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs coming into the United States,” said DEA Special Agent Shelly Howe. “The extradition of Anez Vac is proof that by working together we can make our communities safer and bring high-level international traffickers to justice in the United States.”
This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique capabilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The main mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-ranking members of drug, arms and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
DEFENDANTS Case number 18CR0680-JAH
Victor Hugo Anez Vaca Diez, aka Chi Chi
International Drug Trafficking Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C. Sections 959, 963
Mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in prison; a maximum of life imprisonment and a fine of $10 million
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine – Title 21, U.S.C. Sections 841, 846
Mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in prison; a maximum of life imprisonment and a fine of $10 million
Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine
Homeland Security Investigations
*Accusations and allegations contained in the indictment or complaint are only accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
