Federal authorities intercepted a 64-foot yacht off the coast of Miami Beach on Sunday morning, leading to the detention of three men accused of human smuggling. The vessel, identified as the Mi Amore, was stopped approximately one nautical mile east of Government Cut by agents from the
According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court by
Details of the Interception and Charges
Following the stop at approximately 10:45 a.m., the individuals were transported to the U.S. Coast Guard station in Miami for questioning. In statements provided to investigators, Alvarez alleged that he had been hired by Morales through an intermediary to travel to Bimini, Bahamas, to collect the passengers and return them to Florida. The woman was subsequently transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard vessel.
The investigation also uncovered a firearm on the vessel. During a search, agents discovered a .45-caliber Tanker model 1911A1 pistol and ammunition inside a bag belonging to Laurenti. According to the federal complaint, Laurenti admitted to authorities that he had knowingly transported the weapon out of the United States and brought it back into the country without declaring it to customs officials, as required by law.
All three men—Alvarez, Laurenti, and Morales—are currently facing charges for encouraging and inducing a foreign national to enter and reside in the United States. In addition to the smuggling-related charge, Laurenti faces a separate count for the illegal importation of a firearm and ammunition. As of Monday, the legal status of the three men and whether they had retained legal counsel remained unconfirmed by authorities.
