Valentina Forero Álvarez, a Colombian national, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering after leading a transnational criminal organization that laundered more than $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 stated: “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.”
Court documents revealed that Forero Álvarez directed couriers traveling from Colombia who moved illegal narcotics proceeds into U.S.-based bank accounts using shell companies or businesses involved in unregulated currency exchange markets. These couriers entered on tourist visas and deposited bulk cash pickups across 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 over $4.8 million believed to be drug money; overall deposits linked to Forero Álvarez’s couriers exceeded $31 million nationwide with nearly $2.9 million traced specifically within northern Georgia.
Forero Álvarez remains in federal custody following her guilty plea on February 9th; sentencing by Judge Steven D. Grimberg is pending. She faces up to 20 years in prison as well as fines up to twice the amount laundered along with supervised release and property forfeiture.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Brown and Nicholas L. Evert with HSI leading investigations.
The prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative targeting cartels and transnational crime groups affecting communities across the country.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as principal federal law enforcement agency for a region covering approximately 7.5 million residents across north Georgia—including Atlanta suburbs—and coordinates cases with national and international reach alongside other agencies on issues such as terrorism and drug trafficking.
Theodore S. Hertzberg currently holds the position of United States Attorney for this district (source).
