Cristóbal Paulino Fernández, the Cuban identified as the leader of a transnational criminal cell dedicated to the trafficking of women, was arrested just over a week ago in Colombia. According to a report released by Interpol, Fernández led a life of luxury.
Upon announcing the Cuban's arrest, Interpol highlighted that he was residing in Colombia, where "authorities discovered that the alleged ringleader lived an ostentatious lifestyle in a luxurious country house and traveled in high-end armored vehicles with a security team."
Additionally, investigators believe that "his fortune, estimated at more than 8,000 million Colombian pesos (about one million euros), comes directly from the trafficking network."
Fernández was arrested in Medellín, Colombia, while his main associate was apprehended in Yucatán, Mexico, earlier this month "in a coordinated operation between specialized prosecutors, investigative police, and the National Central Bureaus of Interpol in Mexico and Colombia."
The International Police's account on X shared the moment the charges were read to the detainee. "Authorities in the Americas have successfully dismantled a criminal network involved in trafficking Colombian women to Mexico, arresting its leaders and safeguarding eight victims," they wrote in the description.
Emergence of the Investigation
According to Interpol, interest in the group first arose in June 2022. At that time, several victims in Mexico managed to escape and report their experiences to the authorities.
The pattern was that the women mostly came from poor backgrounds in Cali, Medellín, and Bogotá, and were "promised jobs as waitresses or hostesses in Cancún and Mérida."
To facilitate their entry into Mexico, the victims received "official" invitation letters, Interpol noted. Once in Mexico, they were "received by members of the criminal group, who took them to safe houses and confiscated their passports. They were then forced to sign contracts that obligated them to assume unsustainable debts, which would be paid off by performing sexual work in bars allegedly owned by the group's leader," the report added.
Fernández owned several nightclubs in the city of Mérida, Yucatán, such as "Candela," "Tropicana Angus," and "Bandidas," as well as seven brothels where the women "worked."
In recent weeks, the Attorney General's Office in Mexico raided and shut down all these establishments.
Investigations are ongoing in both Mexico and Colombia "to identify and seize financial assets linked to the group, and to apprehend any other members who may still be at large," the authorities continued.
They also mentioned that the investigation is supported by Interpol through Project Turquesa, a joint initiative with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Key Details on the Human Trafficking Network
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the human trafficking network led by Cristóbal Paulino Fernández.
Who is Cristóbal Paulino Fernández?
Cristóbal Paulino Fernández is a Cuban man identified as the leader of a transnational criminal cell involved in the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women.
Where was Cristóbal Paulino Fernández arrested?
He was arrested in Medellín, Colombia.
What was the role of Interpol in the investigation?
Interpol played a significant role in the investigation, providing support through Project Turquesa and coordinating with national authorities in Mexico and Colombia.
What were the conditions for the trafficked women?
The trafficked women were promised jobs but were instead taken to safe houses, had their passports confiscated, and were forced into signing contracts that trapped them in debt, requiring them to perform sexual work in bars.