Mexican Mob Expanding Throughout U.S.

Specializing in counterfeiting identification papers and ID's such as the one on the right, the Castorena Family Organization has expanded its operation throughout the U.S.

They are a large-scale criminal organization with more than 100 key members who oversee cells that typically consist of 10 to 20 individuals in cities across the United States.

A few of the senior leaders of the organization are believed to be based in Mexico, although they enter the U.S. every now and then to check on the operations of lower level operatives of the crime family.

It is alleged that they are involved in the manufacture and distribution of high-quality counterfeit identity documents such as:

• Matricula Consular ID cards
• birth certificates
• resident alien cards
• Social Security cards
• marriage certificates
• U.S. and Mexican driver licenses
• work authorization documents
• proof of vehicle insurance cards
• temporary vehicle registration documents
• utility bills (many states require driver license applicants to show utility bills as proof of residence)
  

These cells, scattered throughout the US, are extremely well organized. Normally, the cell leaders keep schedules with each of the counterfeit document suppliers and the times they are to meet, at some pre-determined location, to sell the fake documents. (Maybe this is where Dan Rather obtained his "fake, but accurate" documents about GW's service in TANG.) The local cell leaders then record the number and type of false documents sold by the suppliers, as well the funds collected for each transaction.

The organization moves its funds chiefly three different ways. Most often, funds are wire transferred via money transmitter businesses. In some cases, bulk cash and checks are moved through express parcel services. And thirdly in some cases, the organization employs couriers who physically transport U.S. currency across U.S. borders and between U.S. cities.