A money laundering ring operating between Colombia’s third largest city, Cali, and New York, New York was exposed and dismantled after a three-year-long collaboration with United States authorities and Colombian national police, authorities reported Thursday.
Police commander General Jose Roberto Leon Riaño on Thursday announced 21 arrests in connection with the case. There were 12 reported arrests in Colombia’s third largest city, Cali, one in the country’s second largest, Medellin and eight in New York, and Connecticut in the U.S.
The ring apparently used prepaid gift cards and shops in a Cali mall as fronts to launder the money. Twelve of the reported arrests were made at this mall.
Police say they have notified the suspects arrested in Colombia of the United State’s request to extradite them, and the process is already underway.
In addition to the arrests, the raid allegedly yielded over $110,000 worth of Colombian pesos and $20,000 in U.S. dollars.
Sources
- BOLETÍN INFORMATIVO POLICIAL (Policia Nacional de Colombia)
- Cae red de lavado de dinero del narcotráfico que operaba en Cali y Nueva York (El Pais)
- Cae red de lavado de dinero que operaba en Cali y Nueva York (El Informador)
