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Colombian crypto broker sentenced in US money laundering scheme
Leonardo de Jesus Zuluaga Duque, a Colombian cryptocurrency broker, has been sentenced to 160 months in a US federal prison for his role in a cross-border money laundering network. Between May and November 2023, the operation converted narcotics trafficking profits into USDT in Colombia.
According to federal prosecutors, the scheme utilized an unlicensed American exchange and shell companies to move funds before returning them as pesos to Colombian businesses. The network processed a total illicit volume of approximately $470 million. Zuluaga Duque personally laundered $14.5 million, leading to a $14.75 million forfeiture order.
The operation was led by Maximilien de Hoop Cartier, who operated an unlicensed money transmission business and received an eight-year prison sentence.
Entities
Leonardo de Jesus Zuluaga Duque · Maximilien de Hoop Cartier · United States Department of Justice
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A forfeiture order of $14.75 million was issued. www.criptonoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Zuluaga Duque laundered $14.5 million. www.criptonoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The scheme converted narcotics trafficking profits into USDT. www.criptonoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Leonardo de Jesus Zuluaga Duque was sentenced to 160 months in a US federal prison. www.criptonoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The laundering operation occurred between May and November 2023. www.criptonoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The total illicit volume operated by the network was $470 million. www.criptonoticias.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Maximilien de Hoop Cartier was sentenced to eight years in prison. www.criptonoticias.com.br