Authorities in Colombia and the United States dismantled a money laundering network linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel that allegedly moved more than $190 million since 2023 through cryptocurrencies, shell companies and couriers.
The joint operation resulted in five arrests for extradition purposes, according to Colombian police.
The operation was carried out simultaneously in Bogotá, Cali and Jamundí, where agents conducted at least seven raids.
Among those detained was Johan Alberto Gutiérrez Alonso, a Colombian-American citizen known as “Dans” or “Gordo,” identified as a key liaison with the Mexican cartel.
Authorities told local media that Gutiérrez Alonso coordinated cocaine shipments to the United States while maintaining a public image as a businessman in Medellín, with high-value properties and armored vehicles.
El director de la Dijín, el coronel Elver Alfonso Sanabria, reveló detalles de la red que habría lavado más de 190 millones de dólares a la mafia colombiana. https://t.co/if1kX8q65f pic.twitter.com/yYkXeJkTGq— Revista Semana (@RevistaSemana) April 22, 2026
According to the Criminal Investigation Directorate, or Dijín, those acused not only coordinated drug trafficking to the United States, but also managed to infiltrate Colombia’s financial system through legally established companies in sectors such as automotive and real estate, local media outlets Semana and El Colombiano reported.
“The group maintained direct ties with international cartels, specifically the CJNG, facilitating the entry of large sums of money into Colombia from cities such as Cleveland and Miami,” Dijín director Col. Elver Alfonso Sanabria said.
The investigation, which ran for more than six months, identified a hybrid money laundering scheme combining technological tools with traditional methods.
The network used digital wallets for cryptocurrency transactions while relying on human couriers to transport cash between both countries.
During the operations, authorities seized firearms, more than $13,500 in cash, nearly 40 electronic devices and documents considered key to the judicial process.
Estos fajos de billetes dentro de una caja fuerte fueron hallados por la Policía en un operativo contra una red que habría lavado más de 190 millones de dólares a la mafia nacional y extranjera. https://t.co/if1kX8q65f pic.twitter.com/kmNAOkj8NW— Revista Semana (@RevistaSemana) April 22, 2026
Authorities also initiated asset forfeiture proceedings on 27 properties, both movable and immovable, valued at more than $5 million.
According to police, the assets originated from drug trafficking activities and were funneled through shell companies to give them a veneer of legality.
All those detained are being investigated for crimes including money laundering, criminal conspiracy and drug trafficking.
The Office of the Attorney General said it is advancing procedures to export the suspects to the United States, where they are to face charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.
