Quito expat arrested for alleged sex trafficking in the U.S.; he operated a hotel and ‘relocation services’ business

Federal agents from Central Florida have arrested a man who was allegedly coordinating “tours” for Americans to have sex with girls in Ecuador.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Orlando on Friday, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agents began investigating Patrick Minga, 50, in August, after he posted an ad on Craigslist about “sex tours” in Ecuador.

Minga, who has lived for several years in Ecuador, was involved in a Quito business that operated a hotel and provided “relocation services” to North Americans relocating to Ecuador.

“We have the best females from Colombia and Ecuador,” his advertisement said. “Lodging, food and unlimited females for $1,395 for 7 days.”

An undercover agent responded to the ad, and said he was part of a small group of men looking for a trip.

Minga, who used to live in Cape Coral but moved to Ecuador several years ago, responded to the undercover detective, stating that “we specialize in taboo.” The undercover agent told Minga he wanted to have sex with young girls.

Minga said he could arrange the sex in his wife’s hometown of San Jose de Minas, and said “he ran the whole town,” the complaint said. During a series of conversations, Minga told the undercover detective he’s been involved in sex tourism for many years and it is “very clean” in Ecuador.

Minga called the agent in late August and told him “the girls are ready.” A few days later, he emailed the agent a picture of six girls, the complaint said. In September, Minga told the agent he needed a deposit because, “I have to go driving around with my nephew and start giving out lollipops and telling them that there’s a possibility that your whole life could change…”

Minga said he finds girls in indigenous areas.

Minga traveled from Ecuador to Huntsville, Ala., earlier this week. He was arrested on a charge of coercion or enticement of a minor. He will be extradited from Alabama to Florida, officials say.

Photo caption: Mug shot of Patrick Minga following his arrest.