U.S. Wins $2.7 Million in Pepper Fraud Case

The U.S. is entitled to more than $2.65 million in civil penalties and interest for a scheme to fraudulently enter imports of dried peppers from Mexico into the U.S., the Court of International Trade ruled Sept. 28 (United States v. Pacheco, Ct. Int’l Trade, 14-00289, 9/28/15).

Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas found the U.S. was entitled to default judgment against defendant Jeanette Pacheco, as she did not respond to the complaint or raise a defense.

According to the government, Pacheco was approached at a nightclub and paid $200 by Dionicio Bustamante, a licensed customs broker, so that he could ...