LAREDO, Texas – Mauricio Anzures-Zarate, 53, and Beatriz Salcedo-Carreon, 63, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a massive money laundering conspiracy. The duo used a sophisticated trade-based scheme to move drug trafficking proceeds through Texas and into Mexico over a two-year period.
Both individuals pleaded guilty; Anzures-Zarate on April 15, 2024, and Salcedo-Carreon on January 7, 2025. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison sentenced them to 55 months each. They are also expected to face removal proceedings after their prison terms end. The money judgments imposed were $1,176,165 for Anzures-Zarate and $887,269 for Salcedo-Carreon.
“The lifeblood of any drug trafficking organization is the uninterrupted flow of cash,” said Ganjei. “Anzures-Zarate and Salcedo-Carreon laundered drug proceeds through a trade-based scheme that endangered lives on both sides of the border. Their arrest is a significant victory, but we are just scratching the surface.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti emphasized the importance of this operation: “These financial facilitators actively promoted cartel operations in cities across the United States. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue the total elimination of cartels and money launderers who enable their activities.”
DEA’s Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell highlighted the agency’s efforts: “Our expertise enabled us to dismantle their thriving operations, dealing a significant blow to the finances of Mexican cartels. If you trace your money back to the cartels, you will face justice.”
Anzures-Zarate and Salcedo-Carreon directed money couriers to collect drug proceeds in various U.S. cities, transferring them to Laredo for laundering through local businesses. Their scheme disguised illicit proceeds as legitimate transactions, allowing Mexican cartels to receive laundered funds without crossing the border physically.
RELATED: Anzures-Zarate & Salcedo-Carreon Sentenced for Multimillion-Dollar Money Laundering Scheme
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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