Florida Money Trail Leads to Colombian Citizens’ Guilty Pleas
In a stunning case of international money laundering, two Colombian citizens have copped to their roles in a scheme that funneled millions of dollars from the United States into Bogota. Leonardo Forero Ramirez, 59, and Ubaner Alberto Acevedo Espinosa, 32, each face up to 20 years in prison for their participation in the conspiracy.
According to court documents, Acevedo handled customer accounts at a stock brokerage firm in Bogota that catered to clients looking to receive and disburse funds through wire transfers and cash withdrawals. Forero, a customer of Acevedo’s, received approximately $1.2 million from IRS undercover accounts, which he then passed on to those designated to receive it.
Acevedo was also involved in the transfer of approximately $335,000 from IRS undercover accounts to the stock brokerage firm in Colombia. The funds were then converted into pesos and withdrawn by Forero, who knew the money was derived from criminal activity.
Two other co-defendants indicted in this case are awaiting extradition from Colombia. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank H. Tamen, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida commending the investigative efforts of IRS-CI.
Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Ursula Ungaro on July 17, 2015, at 1:30 pm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of international money laundering and the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the trail of dirty money may lead far afield, but it will ultimately end in the courts of justice.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story from Grimy Times.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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