A Colombian man has been extradited to the United States to face related charges for alleged money laundering at US banks, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office announced.
Luis Fernando Galindo Ramos, 55, was arrested in Cali, Colombia on November 9, 2021 and extradited to the United States this week.
On Aug. 19, 2021, Galindo was indicted by a federal grand jury for money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and participating in money transactions in criminal proceeds, according to prosecutors.
According to documents, an investigation into a sophisticated money laundering organization located primarily in Cali, Colombia began in approximately August 2016. During the five-year investigation, the organization allegedly laundered approximately $1 million in drug proceeds through intermediary banks in the United States, including banks in Massachusetts, through the use of the Colombian Black Market Bolsa del Peso (BMPE), said the prosecution.
Galindo allegedly arranged for the domestic transfer of substantial amounts of bulk cash within the United States to pay drug suppliers in Colombia.
The money laundering conspiracy and monetary instrument laundering charges each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Galindo remains in custody after appearing in federal court in Boston on Thursday.
