It is evident they had plenty of money to buy six tickets, three to Chile and three to the US. Then there are the added operating costs of having a contact and leader, Rafid Jaboo Pati, who made arrangements for their accommodations and prepared their false documents.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Iraqi-American smuggling ring in Peru

There are small groups operating around the world and they are in contact with one another all the time through mobile phones.

BBC: Turkey's booming people trade

He said he was in frequent contact with top executives from oil companies operating in Libya to assure them their contract with the country's national oil company would be upheld.

WSJ: Mixed Mood in Libyan Capital