New documents have revealed the leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, used to give federal authorities a lot of useful information.
Reuters has obtained a transcript from a 2014 federal court proceeding and has spoken to a federal prosecutor who have both confirmed Tarrio's involvement with investigations over the years.
After being presented with the information, Tarrio told the news organisation: "I don't know any of this. I don't recall any of this."
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But the evidence contradicts his denial.
The transcript revealed his work as an undercover agent has helped prosecute more than a dozen people for drugs, gambling and human smuggling.
A former federal prosecutor in Tarrio's case, Vanessa Singh Johannes, told Reuters: "He cooperated with local and federal law enforcement, to aid in the prosecution of those running other, separate criminal enterprises, ranging from running marijuana grow houses in Miami to operating pharmaceutical fraud schemes."
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Tarrio pleaded guilty in a fraud case related to relabelling and selling stolen diabetes test kits. During the trial, the Proud Boys leader gave information that led to 13 people being prosecuted.
It also gave authorities details on a gambling ring that was operating outside the fraud case.
During that case, his sentence was reduced and the judge presiding over the matter, Joan A. Lenard, said Tarrio 'provided substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution of other persons involved in criminal conduct'.
Tarrio's then-lawyer Jeffrey Feiler described his client as a 'prolific' cooperator with police and prosecutors. Feiler told the court Tarrio had worked undercover in several investigations, that ranged from anabolic steroids to 'wholesale prescription narcotics'.
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In the people smuggling case, Feiler said Tarrio 'at his own risk, in an undercover role met and negotiated to pay $11,000 to members of that ring to bring in fictitious family members of his from another country'.
When asked for a recent statement, Tarrio's then-lawyer said he couldn't remember the details but confirmed that whatever he said in court was based off information given by police and prosecutors.
According to Reuters, a FBI agent at a hearing labeled Tarrio a 'key component' during investigations into the illegal drug trade that involved weed, cocaine and MDMA. But there is no evidence he has cooperated with authorities since.
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Tarrio was taken into custody earlier this month after arriving into Washington D.C. just before the Capitol Hill riot.
He charged with possessing two high-capacity rifle magazines, and burning a Black Lives Matter banner during a December rally.
According to Reuters, the FBI has previously revealed Tarrio's arrest was an effort to preempt the events of the insurrection.
At least five members of the Proud Boys were arrested during the Capitol riots and the group has recently been declared a white supremacist terror organisation in Canada.
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Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: News