Human Rights and Special Prosecutions (HRSP)

Promoting justice by prosecuting human rights violators and other international criminals

The Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) primarily investigates and prosecutes cases against human rights violators and other international criminals. HRSP investigates and prosecutes human rights violators for genocide, torture, war crimes, recruitment or use of child soldiers, female genital mutilation, international antiquities trafficking, and for immigration and naturalization fraud arising out of efforts to hide their involvement in such crimes. HRSP also prosecutes perpetrators of other international violent crimes, particularly those involving the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA) or occurring within the Special Maritime & Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States (SMTJ). Finally, HRSP prosecutes members of international criminal networks who seek to evade our immigration laws, such as by smuggling persons into the United States. In addition to its prosecutorial activities, HRSP is actively engaged in policy work, both domestically and internationally.

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HRSP News

Seven People, Including Three Filipinos, Charged with Fraudulently Selling Jewelry Imported from the Philippines as Native American-Made

Thursday, March 7, 2019

On Feb. 26, a federal grand jury in Phoenix, Arizona returned a 38-count indictment against U.S. and Philippines-based conspirators for operating a fraudulent scheme to import Native American-style jewelry and sell it to retail stores and individuals across the southwest United States as authentic jewelry made by Native Americans.

Colombian Nationals Sentenced to 45 and 50 Years in Prison for Participating in Human Smuggling Event that Resulted in the Rape and Murder of Cuban Nationals

Monday, February 11, 2019

Colombian Nationals Sentenced to 45 and 50 Years in Prison for Participating in Human Smuggling Event that Resulted in the Rape and Murder of Cuban Nationals

Cuban Citizen Arrested on Charge of Making False Statements on an Application for Lawful Permanent Residence

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

A Cuban citizen residing in Miami, Florida, was arrested on Feb. 5, by federal agents after being indicted on one count of making false statements in an immigration document.