Juan Manuel Alvarez-Inzunza, Money Laundering for Sinaloa Cartel, California 2021

SAN DIEGO, CA - Juan Manuel Alvarez-Inzunza, a high-ranking money launderer for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, was arraigned in federal court yesterday, June 3, 2021, after being extradited to the United States from Mexico the day prior.

Alvarez-Inzunza, 39, a native of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was previously designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act for his role in providing money laundering services to top cartel leaders, including Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera.

According to court documents, on March 6, 2015, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California indicted Alvarez-Inzunza on charges of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine.

Alvarez-Inzunza was arrested by Mexican law enforcement in March 2016, at the request of the United States. He has since remained in custody pending extradition to the United States.

Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman stated, "Today is a reminder that international drug kingpins and money launderers who profit by shipping narcotics into our community are not safe from prosecution. We will work with our international partners to bring them to justice wherever they reside."

Alvarez-Inzunza is currently being held without bail. He is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Linda Lopez for a further arraignment. The defendant faces charges of:

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. 1956(h))
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Intended for Importation (21 U.S.C. 959, 960, 963)
Conspiracy to Import Cocaine and Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. 952 and 960)
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1) and 846)

These charges carry significant prison time and fines. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The defendant's extradition marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel's money laundering operations.

The defendant's hometown is Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is a result of the ongoing efforts by the OCDETF, a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/alleged-money-launderer-sinaloa-cartel-extradited