The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) announced the dismantling of a sophisticated human trafficking and brothel operation. The authorities say that the ring was run by two siblings in South Florida. According to investigators, the network was led by Ricardo Saucedo Torres, also known as “Fabián,” who allegedly operated the illegal enterprise alongside his sister, Cinthia Saucedo Torres, known as “Fátima,” and several associates.
PBSO reported that the organization managed multiple illicit locations in Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, where prostitution and human exploitation activities were carried out.
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Palm Beach dismantles prostitution ring
Detectives conducted months of surveillance, undercover operations, and vehicle tracking to map out the group’s movements and identify its operational structure. This investigative work allowed authorities to establish how the network functioned on a daily basis and who was responsible for overseeing each location.
Investigators also uncovered evidence that the group relied on intimidation and violence to maintain control over its operations. Witnesses told authorities that firearms were used and that the organization arranged “shootings” intended to intimidate and take over rival operations, according to PBSO.
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During the execution of a search warrant, detectives rescued several victims of human trafficking, including possible minors, who were removed from the locations and provided assistance by the appropriate agencies.
Authorities said the case was built on a combination of confessions, financial records, victim statements, and extensive surveillance, including a full confession from a doorman at one of the locations, which further detailed the financial structure and daily operations of the organization.
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Based on the findings, arrest warrants were issued and both siblings were taken into custody. Ricardo Saucedo Torres faces charges including human trafficking, deriving benefits from prostitution, money laundering, and maintaining a house of prostitution.
His sister is charged with human trafficking, deriving benefits from prostitution, money laundering, and child neglect.
