Colombian security agency DAS captured six suspected members of an international drug trafficking and money laundering ring, with connections in Colombia, the U.S., and parts of Asia.
Following eighteen months of intelligence and investigative work in collaboration with U.S authorities, DAS agents reported on Monday that they arrested five male suspects; Nevardo Antonio Balbin Arteaga, Simon Adolfo Acosta, Juan Fernando Montoya Riascos, Alirio Ruiz Hernando Vasquez, Ruben Dario Davila Armero, and one female, Olga Lucia Gomez Celis.
It was established during the investigation that the group’s modus operandi was to launder money in parts of Asia, which would subsequently be legalized in Colombia through the sale of electronic and other imported goods.
It emerged that the organization had contacted several traders from shopping centres in Medellin and Bogota offering to pay their debts abroad, to ensure that the money did not enter the country.
Based on evidence collected in the investigation and in coordination with U.S. authorities, the Office for the Southern District of New York has opened a formal investigation against the six suspects and requested their extradition before the Colombian authorities.