Valentina Forero Álvarez, a Colombian national, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering after leading a transnational criminal organization that laundered over $31 million in drug proceeds through the U.S. financial system.
“Forero Álvarez presided over an international network that exploited our financial system to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Narco-terrorists and their associates who believe they can hide their crimes through complex laundering schemes or residency abroad will be found, brought to the United States, prosecuted, and held accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for Georgia and Alabama commented on the operation’s impact: “This case demonstrates the relentless commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to dismantle transnational criminal organizations that threaten the integrity of our financial system and the safety of our communities. The successful disruption of this sophisticated money laundering network was the result of outstanding collaboration between HSI, our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Together, we will continue to pursue those who seek to profit from illegal narcotics and ensure they are brought to justice.”
According to information presented in court by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, Forero Álvarez directed couriers—mainly non-citizens from Colombia—to travel into the United States using tourist visas. These couriers collected bulk cash in various cities nationwide and deposited it into accounts registered under shell companies or businesses operating within unregulated currency exchange markets.
The operation spanned at least 15 states including Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. During the investigation agents seized more than $4.8 million in suspected drug money; accounts opened by Forero Álvarez’s couriers received over $31 million in deposits—with approximately $2.9 million deposited within Georgia’s Northern District.
Forero Álvarez remains in federal custody following her guilty plea on February 9 and awaits sentencing before U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg. She faces up to 20 years in prison along with possible fines amounting to twice the value of laundered funds and forfeiture of property involved.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Brown and Nicholas L. Evert as part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency for a region covering 7.5 million residents across north Georgia—including Atlanta suburbs—and coordinates cases with both national and international scope.
For further information contact USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.
