Source: Vanguardia
A man believed to be part of a dangerous criminal organization was captured in Cañaveral.
This transnational organization was responsible for laundering millions of dollars.
A joint operation between the Attorney General’s Office and the Police’s Dijin, called ‘Foreign Trade,’ successfully dismantled this transnational criminal group.
Investigative efforts, led by undercover agents, revealed the modus operandi of this gang operating from Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Ibagué, and Cúcuta.
In the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, specifically in Cañaveral, authorities captured one of the nine suspected criminals.
Using front companies and exporting agricultural products to Venezuela at inflated prices, the gang was able to launder illicit money.
The investigation began when the U.S. ICE Customs Agency alerted national authorities about an illegal organization laundering money from the U.S. and Colombia through fictitious companies and fake exports. Among the goods exported by the criminal network were zinc oxide and egg albumin.
Through this method, the criminal network allegedly laundered nearly 10 million dollars between 2012 and 2014. The money was then sent to Pakistan, Panama, India, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, among others.
Now, the nine individuals captured will face charges of money laundering, illicit enrichment, and aggravated conspiracy.
Among those detained is Salomón Korn Mitrani, known as ‘Salo,’ who is believed to be the alleged leader responsible for coordinating international transfers across countries in America, Europe, and Asia.
At 42 years old, Korn was recognized not only as a restaurant investor but also as the ex-husband of actress Carolina Acevedo.
THE CAPTURED:
• Salomón Korn Mitrani, alias Salo, alleged leader of the criminal organization.
• Janan Youssef Yosuf, legal representative of one of the shell companies.
• Jaime Youssef Yosuf, stakeholder and alternate legal representative of a shell company.
• John F. Arias Giraldo, fiscal reviewer for a shell company.
• Andrés Felipe Puyana Fonrodona, alias Macho Viejo, alleged creator of shell companies.
• Fabián Esteban Gutiérrez Quintero, alternate legal representative of a shell company.
• Gloria Andrea Pérez Cabal, alternate legal representative of a shell company.
THE HEARING:
Korn admitted his responsibility in the hearing held at the Paloquemao Judicial Complex in Bogotá.
During the indictment session held before noon this Thursday, the prosecutor stated that Korn, along with his eight associates, is part of an organization that has been laundering money from the U.S. and Colombia by creating shell companies and fictitious exports.
“The Attorney General’s Office has so far inferred that you mentioned individuals, in 2012, from Bogotá, participated in the acquisition, administration, and appearance of legality for resources allegedly arising from drug trafficking totaling 13.060 million pesos, destined for Panama, India, and Hong Kong,” the prosecutor asserted.
According to the prosecutor, the illegal operation was coordinated by fiscal reviewers, accountants, and stakeholders from at least three companies set up to give the appearance of legality to the funds entering the country.
Tags: Abrahan Ortega, ICE, money laundering