Two Mexican nationals have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme that operated over two years, channeling drug trafficking proceeds from Texas to Mexico. Mauricio Anzures-Zarate, 53, and Beatriz Salcedo-Carreon, 63, pleaded guilty earlier this year and last year, respectively.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison sentenced both individuals to 55 months in prison. Following their sentences, as non-U.S. citizens, they are expected to face removal proceedings. Additionally, Anzures and Salcedo were ordered to pay significant monetary judgments of $1,176,165 and $887,269.
“The lifeblood of any drug trafficking organization is the uninterrupted flow of cash,” stated Ganjei. “Here, defendants laundered drug proceeds through a sophisticated trade-based scheme.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti emphasized the impact of the operation: “These financial facilitators actively promoted cartel operations in cities across the United States.”
DEA’s Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell highlighted the success of the investigation: “Our expertise enabled us to dismantle their thriving operations.”
IRS Criminal Investigation’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan noted the methods used by the defendants: “They conspired to use black market peso exchanges…a method that leaves a traceable trail to the cartels.”
The scheme involved directing couriers to collect drug proceeds across U.S. cities and transfer them via wire or courier to Laredo for laundering through local businesses. Store owners accepted these funds as payment for merchandise exported to Mexico.
Eight others have already been convicted and sentenced for their roles in this conspiracy.
The investigation was conducted by DEA and IRS-CI with assistance from several Justice Department offices including International Affairs and Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lance Watt, Amanda Gould along with Trial Attorneys Keith H. Liddle and Stephanie Williamson prosecuted the case.
