Former DEA Official Charged with Money Laundering for CJNG
In a striking turn of events, a former high-ranking official of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been charged in Manhattan for his alleged involvement in laundering significant sums of money for the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Paul Campo, who has an extensive 25-year background with the DEA and previously held the position of Deputy Chief of the Office of Financial Operations, is facing severe allegations.
Prosecutors claim that he not only facilitated the laundering of around $750,000 in cartel funds through cryptocurrency but also expressed his willingness to launder an additional $12 million.
Details of the Indictment
According to the indictment, Campo engaged in discussions with a confidential informant posing as a CJNG member in late 2024. Alongside his co-defendant, Robert Sensi, Campo allegedly proposed various methods for channeling cartel cash into real estate ventures and provided advice on fentanyl production. They even looked into the procurement of high-grade military weaponry and drones for the cartel’s operations.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commented on the severity of the situation, emphasizing that Campo’s actions represent a profound betrayal of the principles he was sworn to uphold during his lengthy tenure with the DEA. “As alleged, Paul Campo and Robert Sensi conspired to assist CJNG, one of the most notorious Mexican cartels responsible for extensive violence and drug-related deaths across the United States and Mexico,” remarked Clayton, reflecting on the implications of their conspiratorial conduct.
DEA’s Stance on Accountability
The DEA, represented by Administrator Terrance C. Cole, stressed that this indictment sends a clear message regarding accountability, stating, “Those who turn away from the public trust, whether past or present, will face consequences to the maximum severity allowed by law. There is zero tolerance for such treachery.”
Campo’s Career and Potential Consequences
Throughout his distinguished career, Campo has held influential posts in various international locations, including New York, Rome, and Milan, in addition to his responsibilities concerning congressional affairs and financial operations within the DEA. However, the skills he once employed against money laundering are now being scrutinized under the charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, distribution of narcotics, aiding a terrorist organization, and money laundering conspiracy.
If found guilty, Campo could potentially be sentenced to multiple decades behind bars, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against him.
