Colombian law enforcement operations against Clan del Golfo

Colombian security forces have conducted several operations targeting the Clan del Golfo criminal organization.

In Pueblorrico, Antioquia, a joint operation by the Colombian Army and National Police led to the capture of four alleged members of the Edwin Román Velásquez Valle substructure. Authorities seized rifles, ammunition, improvised explosive devices, and other criminal materials during the arrest.

In a larger coordinated effort known as ‘Mega Operación Imperium’, Colombian authorities worked with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Attorney General's Office to dismantle a drug trafficking and money laundering network. This operation targeted activities in Medellín, Cali, and the Urabá region. The crackdown resulted in 10 arrests, including one individual wanted for extradition to the United States, and the forfeiture of assets valued at approximately $12 million.

Investigations linked the group to Wilmar Albeiro Mejía Úsuga, alias ‘Richard’, a leader within the Juan de Dios Úsuga structure. The organization reportedly used virtual wallets and cryptocurrency to move approximately $180 million to an exchange in Iran, utilizing accounts flagged by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).