DEMO — UNCLASSIFIED // FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

CASE FILE

NXS-2025-TPA-0012

Operation Threadline — Transnational Criminal Enterprise Investigation

Case Summary

Initiated

February 10, 2025

Origin

CyberTipline Report #CT-2025-847291

Status

Active — Phase 3 of 3 Complete

Scope

Trafficking → Financial → Trade Fraud → Fugitive

Agencies Involved

HSI Tampa, FBI Miami, CBP Trade Intelligence

Investigation Timeline

Evidence

IMAGE REDACTED

Classified Evidence — Source Material

EXHIBIT A-1

Image Origin: Illicit online advertisement, scraped February 10, 2025

Match Comparison

Source Image Detail

Database Match

97.2% Confidence Match

AI Analysis Results

Scene Analysis
Hotel Identification: Best Western Westshore, Tampa FL
Confidence: 97.2%
Method: Carpet pattern matching (US hotel interior database), curtain fixture model identification, outlet placement mapping
Room: Standard King, floors 3-5 (based on window light angle)
Biometric Analysis
Tattoo Detected: Left wrist, 3.2cm × 1.8cm
Classification: Gang Branding — MS-13 "La Sombra" Tampa Cell
Database Match: NCIC Gang Indicator Database
Linked Individuals: 2 known associates (see Phase 3)
Geolocation Confirmation
GPS Metadata: Stripped (standard for ad platforms)
Alternative Geolocation: WiFi BSSID fingerprint embedded in image EXIF → mapped to Best Western Westshore, 1208 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa FL 33629
Confirmation: Matches hotel identified via scene analysis

Assessment

Phase 1 established: Active trafficking operation at identified Tampa hotel. Victim bears known gang branding. Proceeding to financial investigation.

Financial Trace

STEP 1
Hotel Booking Records
Subpoena: Best Western Westshore, Room 412
Guest: "Carlos Mendez" (likely alias)
Payment: Visa ending 8847
Booking Pattern: 14 bookings in past 6 months, always single night, always cash deposit + card guarantee
STEP 2
Credit Card Trace
Card Issuer: Chase Bank, Corporate Account
Account Holder: Solana Textile Imports LLC
Registered Address: 2901 NW 79th Ave, Miami FL 33122 (Doral warehouse district)
Account Activity: $2.3M in transactions past 12 months
STEP 3
Corporate Entity Analysis
Company: Solana Textile Imports LLC
Incorporated: Delaware, March 2023
Registered Agent: National Registered Agents Inc (generic)
Officers: Miguel Alejandro Fuentes (President), address: Miami FL
FLAG: Company has NO textile import permits on file with CBP

CBP TRADE INTELLIGENCE MATCH

Step 4 — Trade Data Cross-Reference

Solana Textile Imports LLC flagged in CBP Trade Transparency Unit investigation

Suspected Violations:

  • Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) — textile invoice fraud
  • Over-invoicing scheme: Importing $0.50/yard polyester fabric invoiced at $12.00/yard
  • Estimated laundered funds: $4.7M over 18 months
  • Connected to Grupo Sombra (Mexico-based TCO)

This connects a LOCAL trafficking operation to a TRANSNATIONAL trade fraud network

Assessment

Phase 2 established: Hotel booking traced to shell company engaged in trade-based money laundering. Local trafficking case now elevated to transnational financial crimes investigation involving CBP jurisdiction.

Target Profile

No Photo

Available

Miguel Alejandro Fuentes

AKA: "El Tejedor" (The Weaver)

Nationality

Mexican, born Sinaloa

DOB

March 14, 1979 (Age 45)

Immigration Status

B-1 Visa, EXPIRED October 2024

Last Known Address

2901 NW 79th Ave, Miami FL (Solana Textile warehouse)

Vehicle

2023 White Mercedes GLE, FL tag [REDACTED]

ICE DETAINER ACTIVE — Immigration Violation + Criminal Warrant

Network Connections

  • Grupo Sombra (Sinaloa-based TCO) — Mid-level operator
  • Manages US distribution arm through textile import front companies
  • Connected to 3 active trafficking cases in FL (Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville)
  • Financial nexus: Launders trafficking proceeds through trade fraud

Surveillance Intelligence (CCTV Analysis)

Location: Tampa International Airport
Timestamp: February 9, 2025, 11:42 AM
Analysis Type: Behavioral/Gait Analysis
Method: Subject identified via movement pattern analysis
Confidence: 89.3%
Methodology: Proprietary gait recognition (no facial match required)
Observation: Subject observed departing Terminal A, proceeding to short-term parking Lot B
Vehicle Confirmation: Vehicle match confirmed: White Mercedes GLE
Subject Identified
TPA INTL — TERM A — CAM 47 — 02/09/2025 11:42:18
89.3% MATCH
REC

Recommended Actions

  1. 1Coordinate with ICE ERO for immigration arrest warrant execution
  2. 2Notify CBP Trade Intelligence — connect to existing TBML investigation
  3. 3Coordinate with FBI Miami — link to Operation Coastal Storm trafficking cases
  4. 4Request MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty) for Grupo Sombra financial records via Mexico
  5. 5Asset seizure preparation: Solana Textile warehouse, Mercedes vehicle, Chase bank accounts

Assessment

Phase 3 complete: Target identified as mid-level TCO operator using trade fraud to launder trafficking proceeds. Case elevated from local trafficking to joint HSI/CBP/FBI transnational investigation. Ready for coordinated takedown.

Investigation Impact Assessment

18 hours

Time from tip to target ID

3 (HSI, FBI, CBP)

Agencies connected

4 (Trafficking, Money Laundering, Trade Fraud, Immigration)

Criminal violations identified

$4.7M

Estimated criminal enterprise value

5

Connected cases linked

“A single photo from a local ad led to the identification of a transnational criminal network spanning trafficking, trade fraud, and immigration violations — connecting street-level crimes to federal priorities.”