As a researcher with extensive experience in studying illicit activities, I find it disheartening yet intriguing to witness the evolution of criminal tactics. The latest indictment of nine individuals for laundering drug money through cryptocurrency is a stark reminder of how technology can be exploited for illegal purposes.
A federal grand jury in Florida has charged nine people with the alleged act of funneling illegal proceeds from Mexican and Colombian drug cartels using digital currencies.
As stated by the U.S. Department of Justice, it is believed that the accused individuals ran an underground system for washing cryptocurrencies and illegally transferring funds without necessary licenses, to support their operation.
Crypto Money Laundering Drug Scheme
This operation, running from 2020 to 2023, entailed gathering money earned from drug transactions in various U.S. cities. This collected cash was transformed into cryptocurrency, which was subsequently moved into digital wallets they managed. After that, the cryptocurrency was changed back into cash and sent to drug cartel leaders based in Mexico and Colombia.
As per court records, Nilson Sneyder Vasquez Duarte, who goes by “Sobri” or “Sobrino,” along with his associates, oversaw the movement of both traditional money and cryptocurrencies to unofficial cryptocurrency traders. Among these traders were Hernan Horacio Richard Samper, Maria Eugenia Landeros Rosas (also known as “Yeni“), Raimundo Carlos Rodriguez Huter, Mayccol Hejeile Morales, and Hernan Julian Calvo Bueno.
Sergio Fernando Vargas Alvarez, Juan Carlos Riano Muentes, Jesus Ivan Rincon Martinez, Morales, and Calvo Bueno functioned as messengers, moving money from one city to another within the U.S.
Nine individuals are being accused of conspiring to launder cryptocurrency and running an unauthorized money-transferring operation. In addition, Duarte, Landeros, Huter, Rincon, Morales, Calvo Bueno, and Alvarez have been individually charged with specific money laundering crimes.
In this instance, we’re dealing with a probe linked to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a law enforcement initiative focused on apprehending major drug traffickers, financiers of illicit activities, violent gangs, and international criminal networks that pose a threat to the U.S.
US Attorney Markenzy Lapointe pointed out an example showcasing the flexibility of criminal organizations in leveraging technology for illicit purposes. Our unwavering goal is to dismantle such networks and bring those responsible to justice,” can serve as a paraphrased version.
As an analyst, I’ve observed a significant rise in the utilization of cryptocurrencies for clandestine financial transactions, such as money laundering. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) are proactively tackling these issues by focusing on dismantling digital currency-reliant networks that serve to mask and transport drug-related profits across international borders, as evidenced in this particular case.
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2024-11-22 19:41