Human smuggling

International Human Smuggling Ring Dismantled in Peru and Chile

A multi-country operation has dismantled a human smuggling ring described as the largest criminal organization bringing Dominican migrants to Chile, as those fleeing physical and economic insecurity continue to seek the "Chilean Dream" in a country known for low crime rates and economic stability.

Operation "Desert," a multilateral undertaking involving the governments of the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile, launched simultaneous operations on October 28 in Chile and three Peruvian municipalities, El Mercurio reported.

The operations resulted in the capture of four of the network's leaders, including Soledad Maquera, who is believed to be a top figure in the smuggling ring. So far nine of the network's members -- eight Peruvians and one Colombian -- have been identified. The process of extraditing four of them to Chile has begun, reported El Mercurio.