Iranian National Charged in Alleged Human Smuggling Scheme to US

Prosecutors say the defendant, arrested in Colombia at U.S. request, ran an 18-month operation moving individuals through Latin America.

A sign warning about human trafficking is displayed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., on July 3, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

An Iranian national arrested in Colombia faces U.S. charges for allegedly orchestrating a human smuggling network that brought Iranians into the United States. 

Colombian authorities issued an arrest warrant for 57-year-old Jafar Tafakori on April 23 at the request of the United States, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).