Security News: Alleged Major Bolivian Drug Trafficker Extradited from Argentina to the United States

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Assistant U. S. Attorney Kyle Martin (619) 546-7726    

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 5, 2022

SAN DIEGO – Victor Hugo Anez Vaca Diez, aka Chi Chi, alleged leader of a large-scale transnational criminal organization, was arraigned in federal court yesterday following his extradition to the United States from Argentina.

On August 18, 2017, a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of California returned a superseding indictment charging Anez Vaca with conspiracy to distribute cocaine with the intent for that cocaine to be imported into the United States, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

Anez Vaca, a Bolivian citizen, was arrested at the Buenos Aires, Argentina airport in January 2022, at the request of the United States, on a Red Notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Since his arrest, Anez Vaca has remained in custody pending extradition to the United States. He was flown by the United States Marshals Service from Buenos Aires to San Diego on October 3, 2022 and arraigned the following 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 U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will work with our international partners to bring them to justice wherever they may travel.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations for their excellent work on this case. He also thanked INTERPOL, the Government of Argentina and the Justice Department’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 Homeland Security Investigations broad reach and successful partnerships fostered with our international colleagues,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge for 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 U.S. to face justice.”

“The DEA continues to work with our law enforcement partners to stem the flow of illegal drugs coming into the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe.  “The extradition of Anez Vaca is evidence 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 by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises. 

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 18CR0680-JAH                                

Victor Hugo Anez Vaca Diez, aka Chi Chi               

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

International Drug Trafficking Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 963

Mandatory Minimum 10 years’ imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment and $10 million fine

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841, 846

Mandatory Minimum 10 years’ imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment and $10 million fine

Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine

AGENCY

Homeland Security Investigations

Drug Enforcement Administration

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.