By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Federal agents smashed an immigration smuggling ring in Western New York and four other states Wednesday. The ring leader was living in Cheektowaga.
US Attorney Terrance Flynn says a tip from the Cheektowaga Police Department lead to a two year investigation.
The illegals were forced to work at a chain of seven Mexican restaurants. Three right here in Western New York including El Caporal on Union Road in Cheektowaga.
Flynn says the ring leader and owner of the restaurants is identified as Simon Bandes. Bandes and ten others were arrested for harboring illegals from Mexico. Flynn says he is accused of paying workers very low wages and forced them to pay smuggling fees and rent.
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