A Mexican national is facing 100 months behind bars after arranging for the collection and repatriation of $5.4 million in drug proceeds from the United States to Mexico.
Jose Manuel Martinez Gomez, 30, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and concealment money laundering in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. According to court documents, Martinez served as a “money broker” for the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), collecting, laundering, and repatriating drug proceeds generated in the United States to the cartel in Mexico.
Martinez personally arranged for the laundering of $5,462,289 in drug proceeds, using a network of co-conspirators to pick up the money across the United States. He then provided instructions for the transfer of funds via cryptocurrency, earning a commission on successful transactions.
As a result of Martinez’s money laundering activities, DEA agents seized a significant amount of illicit drugs, including 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 52.77 kilograms of cocaine, and 7,078.63 kilograms of unconverted methamphetamine. The DEA also seized $1,352,160 in bulk U.S. currency.
Acting United States Attorney Paul McCaffrey praised the successful prosecution, stating, “The successful prosecution of Martinez disrupted the flow of vital drug proceeds back to CJNG, and removed substantial quantities of dangerous drugs from American communities.”
The case was investigated by the DEA Lexington Resident Office, working closely with the Detroit Field Division and Rocky Mountain Field Division, as well as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division. Deputy Criminal Chief Todd Bradbury of the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Lexington Woman Charged in $Million Drug Cash Laundering Scheme · Kentucky
- Trejos Sentenced for Laundering, Illegal Worker Harboring · Iowa
- Sandra, Calvin, Bryan Bailey Convicted in $Million Medicare Fraud · Mississippi
- Louisville Man Charged with Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking, Money Laundering · Kentucky
- KY Woman Gets 44 Months in COVID Loan Scam · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News