The complex case surrounding the alleged plot by the late Cuban-American businessman Sergio Pino to murder his wife Tatiana is gaining significant attention. This week, a recorded phone call from July 15, just one day before Pino's suicide, was made public. In this audio, an individual involved in the supposed murder plan discusses ways to hide evidence to avoid drawing the FBI's attention.
The recording came to light after one of the men agreed to cooperate with authorities, making a monitored call to the person who had enlisted him for what the FBI called one of two "hit teams." Under FBI direction, Avery Bivins, who was serving time for attempted murder, contacted Fausto Villar, a former convict with a history of armed robbery.
During the call, as reported by local media, Bivins attempted to reassure Villar by saying, "Everything is going to be fine." However, Villar, using coded language, expressed his anxiety, stating, "The damn smoke has to clear. Everything needs to clear up... try to cover yourself." The tension was palpable, as Villar was aware that authorities were closing in on the conspiracy.
Key Developments on July 15
July 15 marked a pivotal moment in the investigation, as the following day, the FBI arrested both Villar and Sergio Pino. Although Pino avoided prosecution due to his suicide, authorities disclosed that on that same day, he had been finalizing lucrative financial deals.
The FBI maintains that Pino had instructed Villar to expedite the murder of Tatiana, his wife of 30 years. In the conversation on July 15, Villar displayed concern, knowing that some involved had already been apprehended.
"You should delete your Instagram. Delete your Instagram," he advised Bivins, worried about the digital trail that could incriminate them. Despite Villar's request for pretrial release, the government argued he posed a flight risk, highlighting a statement in the call where he said, "I'm not going back to prison."
The Financial Motivations
Villar had already paid Bivins $75,000 out of a promised $150,000 for the assassination of Tatiana, with an additional bonus if the crime went undetected. Although the Pinos' names were not explicitly mentioned in the call, the prosecution insisted that Villar was referring to them. At one point, Villar told Bivins, "At the end of the day, when all is said and done, I'm sure there will be a little gift for me and all of you."
Bivins, Villar, and seven other men are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, though all have pleaded not guilty. Bivins informed the FBI that Sergio Pino had unsuccessfully tried to persuade Tatiana to accept a $20 million divorce settlement. The Pino family's fortune was estimated to exceed $153 million, according to court documents.
Failed Attempt and Subsequent Developments
On June 23, one of the men recruited by Bivins made an attempt on Tatiana's life near her home, but she managed to escape. Weeks later, during the July 15 call, Villar explained to Bivins that Pino could no longer send money because he knew the FBI was watching him.
Following the call, Pino and Villar had a brief exchange on WhatsApp, but the content remains undisclosed, as Pino's suicide brought an end to the charges against him. Towards the conclusion of his conversation with Bivins, Villar expressed an optimism that seemed detached from reality: "When this is over, you know everything is going to be okay."