Mexico busts plan by Gaddafi son to enter country; foreign nationals involved in plot

Mexico City -- At an early morning press conference today, Mexico's Department of Governmental Affairs announced the break up of an international plot to smuggle one of the sons of deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, together with members of his immediate family, into this country. The conspiracy, which was discovered on September 6, was said to involve several foreign nationals, including a Canadian woman and a Dane. A Mexican woman who lives in the United States is also implicated.

Family members of Saadi Gadhafi (above) planned to buy property in Nayarit state on Mexico's Pacific coast, as well as in Puerto Vallarta and several other locations to establish themselves here, according to the government. The plan included the use of falsified passports and entry documents.

Saadi Gadhafi never made it to Mexico, and currently is under arrest in Niger. Some of the plot suspects are in custody, but none were identified at the press conference. They were arrested on November 11, and include two Mexicans. They have been charged with using false documents, human trafficking and organized crime activity. All carry heavy penalties.

[Update Dec. 8: The Canadian woman was today identified as Cynthia Ann Vanier. Her place of residency was not given, but she is in Mexican custody. Authorities say she was the ringleader of the conspiracy.]

According to a CNN report, Saadi Gadhafi was a prominent businessman in Libya during his father's 42 year reign. He also controlled military units during this year's popular uprising, which resulted in Muammar Gaddafi's capture and execution in October.

The Mexican government referred to its successful interception of the international conspirators as Operación Huésped. Huésped means guest or visitor.

Alejandro Poiré, the secretary of government, conducted the conference, accompanied by Alejandra Sota, press secretary for national security affairs. Poiré said that the break up of the conspiracy "demonstrated Mexico's capacity to safeguard its national territory."

Canadian woman led Gadhafi smuggling plot, says Mexico: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/12/canadian-in-gadhafi-smuggling.html.
U.S. breaks up Iranian scheme to murder foreign ambassadors with help of Mexican drug cartels: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/10/us-busts-iranian-plot-to-assassinate.html.
Muammar Gaddafi is a "murdered martyr," says Venezuela's Hugo Chávez: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/10/hugo-chavez-on-muammar-gaddafi-murdered.html.