They were later convicted in 2011 of conspiracy
to fraudulently attempt to export goods from the
United States to Iran in U.S. District Court for
the Southern District of Florida and sentenced
to two years in prison. All three were
determined to be removable from the United
States, as aliens who evaded laws prohibiting
the export of goods, technology or sensitive
information from the United States.
"Individuals like Echeverri-Gutierrez, Pantoja
Coral and Echeverri-Valdes who violate our
nation's laws will be held accountable," said
Alysa Erichs, special agent in charge of HSI
Miami. "Engaging in a conspiracy to export
sensitive technologies and other commodities to
prohibited countries like Iran is a serious
crime that threatens our national security and
we are committed to investigating and pursuing
removal from the United States on such foreign
nationals after their criminal cases are
completed."
All three were escorted by ERO officers via an
ICE Air Operations charter flight and turned
over to Colombian law enforcement authorities
upon arrival at the Bogota International
Airport. Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has
removed more than 566 foreign fugitives from the
United States who were being sought in their
native countries for serious crimes, including
kidnapping, rape and murder. ERO works with
ICE's Office of International Affairs, foreign
consular offices in the United States and
Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally
present in the country.
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