Unprecedented Reward for a Notorious Fugitive
On May 21, the U.S. government made a significant move in the fight against international drug trafficking by announcing a reward of up to $2 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera. A 34-year-old Uruguayan citizen, Marset is also known by aliases such as Gabriel de Souza Beumer and Luis Paulo Amorim Santos. He is considered one of South America's most wanted fugitives, with charges spanning multiple countries.
Marset's criminal activities have made him a prime target for law enforcement across the Southern Cone of South America. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is spearheading this effort under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP). This reward underscores the urgency and determination to dismantle his extensive drug trafficking network.
Details of Marset's Criminal Empire
Sebastian Marset is accused of leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization responsible for moving massive quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe. According to an indictment unsealed in the Eastern District of Virginia, his operations have generated tens of millions of dollars in cash and proceeds. The indictment further alleges that Marset has used U.S. financial institutions to launder millions in drug money, directly implicating him in money laundering charges.
His transnational criminal organization reportedly operates across several countries, including Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Marset has been a wanted fugitive in Paraguay and Bolivia for organized crime violations, with Bolivian authorities previously offering a $100,000 reward for his capture in August 2023. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has also added him to its Most Wanted Fugitives List, intensifying the global manhunt.
The scale of Marset's operations was highlighted during Operation A Ultranza Py, described as the largest and most consequential organized crime investigation against cocaine trafficking in the region. This operation has shed light on the depth of his network, which continues to pose a significant threat to international security.
Global Efforts and How to Assist
The U.S. reward offer is part of a broader international collaboration to apprehend Marset and disrupt his criminal activities. The DEA has provided a direct line for tips, encouraging anyone with information to contact them via email at [email protected]. This initiative reflects a commitment to partnering with global law enforcement to combat transnational organized crime.
As the hunt for Marset continues, authorities are hopeful that the substantial reward will incentivize individuals to come forward with actionable intelligence. With charges pending in multiple jurisdictions and an ever-tightening net around him, the focus remains on bringing one of South America's most notorious drug traffickers to justice.