Daily financial-crime intelligence · Updated 2 Sep 2026, 23:01 UTC
Bribery & corruption
Bolivia's Vice President Edmand Lara filed corruption charges against presidential advisor Fernando Cerimedo and First Lady María Elena Urquidi, alleging influence peddling, improper use of influence, and criminal association.
Fraud & scams
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes is under investigation for alleged connections to banker Daniel Vorcaro, former owner of Banco Master liquidated for frauds involving $7-10 billion affecting 800,000 investors.
Fraud & scams
Individuals were convicted for a massive scam targeting two faculties of the University of Buenos Aires.
Money laundering
Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López transitioned from being a controversial businessman under U.S. investigation for alleged money laundering to leading North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), securing rights to exploit Venezuelan oil fields.
Money laundering
Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt López, who has been investigated for money laundering in Spain and Switzerland, is listed as a conspirator in the Money Flight operation according to Miami Herald, with links to the laundering of 1.2 billion dollars diverted from PDVSA.
Fraud & scams
María Estrella Martínez de Yankelevich, previously convicted in a fraud scheme, filed a criminal complaint against Marcelo Casaretto (ex-ATER provincial tax collection agency director) and five other ex-officials including Damián Alcides Zoff, César Del Castillo, Germán Gietz, Federico Borra, and Manuel Valiero.
Other
Peru's Public Ministry conducted raids on eight properties investigating alleged bid-rigging for National Police food supply contracts between 2024 and February 2026.
Other
An illegal financial entity in Ecuador is alleged to have captured approximately $50 million. Authorities identified a total of 127 unauthorized financial organizations—60 detected in 2025 and 67 during 2026.
Bribery & corruption
Ecuador's National Court of Justice found former president Lenín Moreno guilty of bribery in connection with the Sinohydro hydroelectric project.
Fraud & scams
The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) revealed details of an embezzlement operation involving former Security Secretary Genaro García Luna spanning 2008-2018. The scheme involved shell companies, including NUNVAC, that received over $403.
Bribery & corruption
Argentine sports marketing executives Hugo Jinkis and Mariano Jinkis, owners of Full Play Group SA, reached a deferred prosecution agreement with U.S. authorities.
Money laundering
Investigators discovered encrypted code on Fernando Cerimedo's seized phone revealing cryptocurrency transfers through a 'cold wallet' totaling over $44 million over six months.
Trafficking
Mauro Ismael Morales Martínez, known by aliases 'Melito' or 'Ojudo', was detained in Teculután, Zacapa, as part of coordination with the Public Ministry for extradition to the United States.
Fraud & scams
Prosecutors allege that since 2019, approximately 935 million barrels of diesel and gasoline illegally entered Mexico without tax payment, causing fiscal damage exceeding 730 billion pesos. Criminal organizations allegedly declared fuel as lubricants or other products with lower tax rates.
Fraud & scams
Patricia Jimena Vidaurre was convicted of operating an illegal investment scheme called 'Inversiones Alyson' that promised weekly returns of 40-60% to over 40 victims.
Fraud & scams
Colombia's military authorities, in coordination with the National Police and Attorney General's office, arrested eight active military personnel and one retired soldier following an investigation spanning over 18 months.
Bribery & corruption
Lisbeth Camavilca Bonilla, district mayor of Paucartambo in Pasco, was detained along with five others for allegedly soliciting a commission equivalent to 15 per cent of a water and sewerage project valued at over one million soles.
Fraud & scams
Peruvian forensic doctor Edgar Eduardo Poma Condori was arrested as the alleged leader of a criminal network that falsified death certificates to activate fraudulent insurance payouts and pension fund withdrawals exceeding 22 million soles.
Bribery & corruption
An Infobea Peru investigation reveals that deputy César Tito Rojas, vice-president of the Education Commission, maintained close ties with Luis Fernando Gonzales Pineda, an individual under investigation for corruption.
Bribery & corruption
Francisco Javier Estupiñán Bravo, a former sales representative, received a reduced sentence in connection with corruption involving Colombia's disaster management agency (UNGRD).
Money laundering
The administration of president Abelardo de la Espriella filed a complaint with Colombia's General Fiscal's Office regarding C.I. Meprecol S.A.S., a state gold trading company. An internal forensic audit discovered significant irregularities in the firm's operations.
Fraud & scams
Fraudsters are using forged government documents to deceive Mexican agricultural producers, requesting deposits of 35,000 pesos under the pretence of advertising spaces or sponsorships.
Fraud & scams
Argentine political strategist Fernando Cerimedo arrived in Bolivia in 2024 ostensibly conducting market research and gradually gained influence within President Rodrigo Paz's administration.
Fraud & scams
The State Prosecutor's Office of Jalisco seeks three owners or associates of Constructora Arriba Jalisco accused of involvement in real estate fraud related to the sale of unbuilt apartments in Zapopan, Guadalajara, and Tlajomulco. Arrest warrants have been issued against three individuals.
Bribery & corruption
Mexico's Attorney General's Office is investigating retired naval officers Fernando Farías Laguna (former rear admiral) and Manuel Roberto Farías Laguna (former vice admiral) for leading a fuel smuggling network that operated in at least five Mexican states.
Bribery & corruption
Fernando Farías Laguna was deported from Argentina in the early morning of August 21, 2026, after being arrested in Buenos Aires on April 23 using false identity documents and passport.
An opposition-led parliamentary commission investigating Venezuela's electrical system documented systematic corruption. Between 2005-2015, the state spent $42.55 billion on 42 power projects when the official budget was only $14.9 billion.
Fraud & scams
According to an Infobea report of 20 August 2026, former deputy Elías Matta argues Venezuela's electricity crisis results from corruption. The opposition-controlled parliament (2015-2020) documented a national embezzlement of approximately 26 billion dollars related to the electricity sector.
Money laundering
José Luis Espert, former deputy of La Libertad Avanza party, filed an expanded 65-page written defense before federal judge Lino Mirabelli requesting dismissal or acquittal in a money laundering case.
Trafficking
Guatemala's Public Ministry announced threats targeting prosecutors investigating organized crime, drug trafficking, extortion, and arms trafficking. The disclosure occurred on August 14, 2026.
Money laundering
Albertina Mangini (44), a lawyer at the Patronato de Liberados agency overseeing released prisoners in Buenos Aires Province, and Ignacio Leonel Marchioni (32), connected to Sur Finanzas, were detained by federal police.
Money laundering
Mariano Hernán Ruiz (50), described as the organization's accountant and convicted in 2015 as a member of Los Monos drug trafficking organization, faces charges as principal money laundering operative.
Bribery & corruption
An investigation reveals that approximately 40 uniformed officers in special units at Guayaquil ports were corrupted by a criminal organization. Colonel Julio Miño del Hierro managed two police groups in strategic positions. Between 2023-2024, the network sent 8.
Money laundering
Luis Enrique Guzmán Chams (legal representative and shareholder of GPS Construcciones del Caribe S.A.S.)
Bribery & corruption
Outgoing president Gustavo Petro responded to publication of the transition document presented by president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella containing 82 alleged cases of corruption in Petro's government.
Bribery & corruption
Luis Fernando Velasco, former Interior Minister, was arrested and placed under house arrest as a precautionary measure. The Superior Court of Bogotá formalized his arrest.
Fraud & scams
Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt has become a key intermediary between the Trump administration and Delcy Rodríguez's government in Venezuela, despite his controversial past.
Trafficking
Four agents of the General Prosecution of Justice of the State of Mexico were arrested on suspicion of extortion and express kidnapping: Benito N. (57), María Fernanda N. (38), Efraín N. (65) and Mario N. (43). They were apprehended simultaneously in Texcoco and Ecatepec.
Money laundering
Judge Paulina Moya imposed preventive detention on Michael Clark, former president of Universidad de Chile club, determining that his freedom 'constitutes a danger to public safety and investigative success.'
Money laundering
Jianfei Lu, 31, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez in the Western District of North Carolina and ordered to forfeit $25 million.
Fraud & scams
Mexico City's General Justice Prosecutor's Office connected five individuals to a banking fraud scheme operating between 2023-2026.
Money laundering
Fourteen individuals were arrested in different provinces of Panama as part of an investigation into financial crimes and money laundering, with reported damages of $276,000.
Money laundering
Andrelio Castaño Rojas, 55, a Colombian national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in a seven-year scheme involving drug proceeds.
A judicial employee in La Plata was charged with leading a fraud and money laundering operation involving approximately $27 billion. The scheme employed 'smurfing' tactics—breaking large sums into smaller transactions to evade financial oversight.
Bribery & corruption
Antonio Hernández Pacheco, Secretary of Citizen Security in Atlixco, was detained and subjected to justified preventive detention. He faces charges of abuse of authority, breach of legal duty, and bribery.
Fraud & scams
Investigation reveals a corruption case involving Jonatan Emanuel Reyes, a former official of the Municipal Undersecretariat for Coexistence and Civic Control of La Plata, who allegedly worked with a suspected Chinese organized crime operator.
Money laundering
Federal Oral Court 7 has begun proceedings against five individuals accused of laundering over $500 million in illicit funds linked to Brazilian drug organisation Comando Vermelho.
A federal jury in Albuquerque convicted former State Representative Sheryl Williams Stapleton, 69, and business owner Joseph Johnson, 74, on all counts after a nine-day trial.
Money laundering
Sheryl Williams Stapleton, 69, was found guilty on all federal counts on August 14, 2026, including bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, mail fraud, honest services fraud, tax fraud, and money laundering.
Other
Two brothers, L.F.M.L. and J.E.M.L. Martínez López, were arrested for operating a pyramid investment scheme in at least five Mexican states (State of Mexico, Puebla, Oaxaca, Nuevo León and Guanajuato) between 2021 and 2026.
Other
In the ongoing Cuadernos Cause trial, aeronautical union leader Ricardo Cirielli testified that former Transport Secretary Ricardo Jaime visited the presidential residence on nocturnal occasions carrying bags allegedly destined for Kirchner.
Fraud & scams
A 36-year-old individual with alleged family ties to Puebla Governor Alejandro Armenta Mier was arrested on August 11, 2026, in the Benito Juárez neighborhood on fraud charges.
Other
Raúl 'N' (Director General of Atmospheric Emissions Control) and Carlos Eduardo 'N' (Director of Atmospheric Emissions Control), both with the State of Mexico's Environmental Secretariat, face justified preventive detention.
Money laundering
Edgardo Kueider, former senator from Entre Ríos, and Iara Guinsel, his former secretary, appealed their smuggling convictions in early August 2026.
Money laundering
A Honduran court postponed a hearing against ex-president Juan Orlando Hernández until August 18 following a defence request for additional time to review evidence presented by prosecutors.
Fraud & scams
Carlos Alberto Medina Hernández, former director of the Social Communication Unit of the Campeche state government under 'Alito' Moreno Cárdenas, was detained for alleged embezzlement involving approximately 36 million pesos in public funds through the television station Mayavisión.
Money laundering
Publio De Gracia Tejada, former tax director of Panama, faces charges of unjustified enrichment and money laundering. Investigators detected approximately $724,682 in unexplained wealth accumulated beyond his known income during his tenure from July 2019 to June 2024.
Fraud & scams
Six individuals associated with Strategic Capital Agency, commercially known as Inverforx, were charged with operating an elaborate Ponzi investment scheme. The defendants posed as financial advisors promising returns between 10% and 90% on investments within less than one year.
Fraud & scams
The trial of the Notebooks of Corruption case resumed on August 11, 2026, with former president Cristina Kirchner and approximately 85 other defendants facing allegations of illicit association and bribery.
Fraud & scams
Mexican authorities arrested Luis Antonio Espinosa Campos, an accountant and representative of Emigdio Gabriel Moreno Cárdenas (brother of PRI leader Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas), in Mexico City.
Money laundering
Mariano Hernán Ruiz, 48, a previously convicted financial operator for the criminal organization Los Monos, was detained for federal money laundering charges.
Fraud & scams
Mexico City's Public Ministry arrested six people (five women and one man identified as Frida N, Vianey N, Diana N, Valeria N, Jessica N and Luis N) linked to Strategic Capital Agency, operated commercially as Inverforx.
Money laundering
The Public Ministry arrested Publio de Gracia, former director of Panama's tax authority (DGI), on corruption charges including unjustified enrichment and money laundering.
Money laundering
Daniel Gordiano Valenzuela, 60, pleaded guilty on August 10, 2026, to conspiring to launder $1,973,076 in drug-sale proceeds through cryptocurrency and wire transfers.
Fraud & scams
Mexican cybernetic police units collaborated with the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) to dismantle a network using deepfake technology to promote false investment schemes. Twelve individuals and one company were identified as connected to the operation.
Money laundering
Former tax director Publio De Gracia was arrested on allegations of unjustified enrichment and money laundering. The investigation, initiated by a comptroller's audit, identified approximately $724,682.39 in unexplained patrimonial gains.
Bribery & corruption
La Paz mayor César Dockweiler presented a report detailing serious corruption allegations against the previous administration led by Iván Arias. According to Dockweiler, he found at least 12 corruption networks, a municipal deficit of 484 million bolivianos, and debt exceeding $150 million.
Trafficking
Honduras National Police reported that Colombian citizens feature prominently among foreign nationals under investigation for financial offences. Between January and 9 August 2026, authorities arrested 56 foreign individuals, compared with 114 during the same period in 2025.
Bribery & corruption
Prosecutors presented evidence in a corruption case involving the Mixed Fund Sierra Nevada, implicating ex-mayors and governors.
Fraud & scams
The case against Wenance CEO Alejandro Muszak is advancing toward trial with three additional fraud cases consolidated, adding to 524 previously identified fraudulent episodes. Judge Sandra Arroyo Salgado closed the investigation.
Money laundering
Investigation by FACT Coalition reveals that illegal gold mining has become more profitable for criminal structures in Colombia and Peru than cocaine trafficking. Peruvian illegal gold exports reach approximately $4.
Other
Colombian prosecutors charged Ober Ricardo Martínez Gutiérrez, known as "Negro Ober," with operating a sophisticated extortion network from prison in Popayán.
Money laundering
A new trial is set for August 21, 2026, against Enrique Juan Blaksley Señorans (the 'Argentine Madoff') and four co-defendants for alleged fraud in the Verazul real estate scheme. Prosecutors allege they attracted funds from numerous small investors through deceptive promises spanning 2009-2016.
Money laundering
Panama's appellate court has upheld detention orders for individuals accused in Operation Pandora, a major tax fraud scheme. The investigation centers on a structure that allegedly manipulated the E-Tax 2.0 platform to illegally appropriate fiscal credits.
Fraud & scams
Luis Oliva, former director of Panama's National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), is held in preventive detention on allegations of aggravated unjustified enrichment. A forensic audit by the Comptroller General detected approximately $937,000 in unexplained wealth accumulation.
Trafficking
Costa Rica's government announced investigations into 116 police officers suspected of collaborating with criminal organisations operating in the southern region. The administration highlighted recent arrests of 52 penitentiary staff attempting to smuggle contraband into prisons.
Money laundering
Federico 'Fred' Machado, Argentine businessman, pleaded guilty on May 18, 2026, before Judge Don Bush in federal court in Texas to money laundering and electronic fraud. Machado admitted his criminal responsibility to negotiate a reduced sentence with federal prosecutors.
Fraud & scams
Approximately 49 government initiatives totaling 735 billion Colombian pesos were scheduled for approval at a closed-door meeting of the Órgano Colegiado de Administración y Decisión (Ocad) of Science, Technology and Innovation on August 6, 2026, during the final day of President Gustavo Petro's administration.
Fraud & scams
Peru's National Police prevented the withdrawal of S/734,800 obtained through alleged computer fraud and dismantled a criminal network operating with manager's checks at Miraflores bank branches.
Fraud & scams
Federal judge Ariel Lijo is heading an investigation into alleged fraudulent currency operations involving approximately 14 billion Argentine pesos.
Trafficking
Spanish National Police dismantled a Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) methamphetamine trafficking network operating in Spain. The operation, conducted jointly with French authorities, discovered an active clandestine laboratory where members recovered methamphetamine by extracting it from 2.
Other
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Frankfurt, Germany led coordinated searches in Brazil, Belgium and Germany on August 5, 2026, in an investigation into a suspected customs evasion scheme code-named "Gummy Bear".
Money laundering
Argentina's Federal Court of Appeals (Sala IV de la Cámara Federal de Casación) is re-examining an investigation into alleged asset laundering involving Russian businessmen.
Bribery & corruption
Federal Judge Ariel Lijo scheduled 26 August 2026 for acoustic analysis of recordings attributed to Diego Spagnuolo, former director of Argentina's National Disability Agency (ANDIS).
Other
The Colombian Attorney General's Office charged Jairo Winston Mendoza Soto, a temporary administrative employee at the Electoral Registry in Montería, with allegedly demanding 100 million Colombian pesos from congressional candidate Ana Cristina Muñoz in exchange for manipulating 1,000 votes in the March 8 legislative elections.
Fraud & scams
Colombia's Attorney General arrested 13 people, including the current mayor of María La Baja (Bolívar), Ramiro González Mancilla, in connection with an alleged corruption scheme.
Fraud & scams
A 36-year-old Mexican man, Isaac Andrey 'N', was arrested in Texas and extradited to Mexico on charges of operating an alleged investment pyramid scheme. The scheme promised monthly returns of 4 to 10 percent through a fake investment platform requiring minimum deposits of 100,000 pesos.
Fraud & scams
Former Paraguay Central Department governor Hugo Javier González, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for embezzlement of pandemic economic recovery funds, voluntarily surrendered to authorities on August 4, 2026. González is accused of misappropriating approximately 5.
Money laundering
According to FinCEN analysis, Mexican cartels are exploiting Chinese money laundering networks to process drug profits from the United States. Approximately $312 billion in suspicious activity reports between 2020-2024 were identified as potentially related to Chinese money laundering networks.
Fraud & scams
Olof Kyros Gustafsson, a 32-year-old Swedish citizen operating under the alias 'El Silencio', was convicted and sentenced to four years federal imprisonment in Los Angeles for perpetrating a massive fraud scheme. As CEO of Escobar Inc.
Money laundering
Argentina's Federal Cassation Chamber extended preventive detention of entrepreneur Juan Ignacio Suris for six additional months while he awaits trial on money laundering charges. Judges Carlos Mahiques and Daniel Petrone approved the extension, which began on 8 July 2026.
Money laundering
The corruption investigation into Argentina's National Disability Agency (ANDIS) has been reactivated with approximately 30 additional suspects.
Bribery & corruption
The trial against former President Cristina Kirchner and 85 other defendants advanced this week with testimony from AFIP (now ARCA) officials regarding suspicious cash movements.
Federal judge Gastón Salmain, currently suspended from his duties, was charged with alleged attempted extortion of $100,000 from former ARCA regional director Carlos Vaudagna, in exchange for intervening to benefit him in various cases pending in the Federal Court of Santa Fe.
Money laundering
Panama's Specialized Superior Prosecutor for Drug-Related Crimes ordered the arrest of 13 people linked to the criminal structure 'La Mafia Filipina'. Sebastián Enrique Díaz Ángelo, known as 'Toti' or 'Sebas', was identified as the principal leader of the organization.
Money laundering
Argentine football association (AFA) leadership faces multiple judicial investigations involving allegations of financial misconduct.
Fraud & scams
Vladimir Cerrón, leader of the Perú Libre political party and former regional governor of Junín, remains subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.
Money laundering
Leandro David 'Lelo' Pérez, 53, former partner of entertainer Victoria Xipolitakis, was detained in Rosario by the Federal Police accused of money laundering operations linked to drug trafficking.
Money laundering
Federal court sealed investigation records in a money laundering case against Leandro David 'Lelo' Pérez (53), ex-partner of television personality Victoria Xipolitakis. Prosecutors from two agencies initiated investigations approximately nine years ago into alleged money laundering operations.
Fraud & scams
Resistencia, Chaco authorities arrested a 33-year-old woman (Y.M.D.F.) accused of defrauding a merchant using false transfer receipts. The suspect and an accomplice made purchases totalling 95,400 pesos presenting fraudulent receipts, and the money never reached the merchant's account.
Bribery & corruption
A former ARCA accountant testified to finding two suspicious dollar purchases by IECSA — $3 million and $600,000 between 2008-2009 — that coincided temporally with advances on public works, representing approximately 10% of the contract, a percentage consistent with typical bribery payments during the Kirchner administration.
Terrorist financing
Bolivia's prosecutor's office ordered the detention of former president Evo Morales in connection with roadblocks and protests in May-June demanding the resignation of current president Rodrigo Paz. Authorities accuse him of terrorism, armed uprising, and conspiracy.
Bribery & corruption
Carlos Genatios, former Minister of Science and Technology during Hugo Chávez's administration, contends that despite substantial petroleum revenues, the chavista regime failed to maintain Venezuela's seismic monitoring equipment.
Fraud & scams
Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces a corruption scandal as his administration approaches its end on 7 August 2026.
Fraud & scams
Ignacio Ohrwaschel, a 76-year-old financier, was released in a case involving multiple fraud schemes and fraudulent administration exceeding USD 320,000, as well as improper retention and fraudulent sale of artworks valued at approximately USD 400,000, in connection with his firm Cambio Posadas controlled by his sons.
Fraud & scams
Carlos Caicedo, former mayor of Santa Marta, ex-presidential candidate, and former governor of Magdalena department in Colombia, was convicted by the Ninth Penal Circuit Court of Bogotá of two crimes: contract without meeting legal requirements and embezzlement through appropriation.
Bribery & corruption
Peru's National Police Anticorruption Division (Diviac) arrested a specialist environmental prosecutor and three police officers in Madre de Dios as part of an operation against the criminal network Los Lecheros del Puerto.
Other
Panama's Ministry of Economy and Finance ordered a freeze on all proceedings involving suspicious tax credits following an investigation into irregularities in the E-Tax 2.0 system of the General Revenue Directorate (DGI). The alleged loss totals between USD 40 and USD 80 million.
Money laundering
According to BioBioChile, a court convicted thirteen people of tax fraud and asset laundering exceeding 762 million pesos to the detriment of the Gabriel González Videla Municipal Corporation of La Serena, through false invoices and fabricated activity reports between 2019 and 2021 detected by a Comptroller's Office audit.
Fraud & scams
A Semana magazine investigation, reported by El País, indicates that Juliana Guerrero, former high-level government adviser, and her sister Verónica allegedly participated in a network to manage public contracts in exchange for payments, including alleged initial 'fees' and commissions on contract values.
Money laundering
Environmental prosecutor Carlos Alberto Chirre Ramírez was subjected to searches in Mazuko, Madre de Dios, and an operation conducted by the Diviac, Public Ministry and Asset Laundering Unit due to his alleged membership in a criminal organisation connected to illegal mining.
Money laundering
Infobea reports on how the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel built a network of formal businesses including gas stations (Petrocoda S.A.)
Fraud & scams
A man was arrested in Salta, Argentina, after failing to pay a bail of 794 million pesos set by the court. According to authorities, the detainee is under investigation for alleged repeated fraud related to investments and vehicle rentals, operating through two companies (Gerala Foa S.R.L.
Money laundering
According to a report by Ecuador's Organised Crime Observatory, money laundering represents between 2% and 5% of the country's GDP, potentially between USD 3.9 and 6.5 billion annually.
Bribery & corruption
A Medellin court upheld the first conviction in a corruption case involving the Metropolitan Area of Aburrá and the Itagüí Voluntary Fire Brigade.
Fraud & scams
Mateo Ramírez Flórez, a professional footballer and son of deceased former player John Mario Ramírez, was arrested as part of the dismantling of a cybercrime network known as 'Los Cyber'. Ramírez is alleged to have lent his bank account to receive proceeds from fraud.
Bribery & corruption
The UN Human Rights Committee issued a formal reminder to Peru demanding a report on compliance with due process guarantees in criminal proceedings against former president Pedro Castillo, related to the December 7, 2022 coup attempt and corruption cases.
According to La Jornada, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury Department, in coordination with Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit, sanctioned 55 individuals and entities linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in what Treasury describes as its largest financial action against that group.
Fraud & scams
Panamanian authorities detained a former corregimiento representative and former treasurer of Munä district (Ngäbe Buglé region) over alleged crimes against public administration. According to the report, they are accused of improper handling of state resources earmarked for community projects.
Fraud & scams
Colombia's General Prosecutor's Office scheduled August 5 for a hearing to formalize accusations against Juliana Guerrero and Luis Carlos Gutiérrez for alleged procedural fraud in the purchase of fake academic degrees.
Terrorist financing
US authorities set 1 June 2027 as the trial date for Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, who have been held in federal detention in Brooklyn since 3 January 2026.
Money laundering
Infobae reports that Mexico's Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) has opened an investigation file into José Carlos Vives Gómez, owner of Liga de Expansión MX club Piratas FC, and into the company CF Veracruzano, S.A. de C.V.
Fraud & scams
Camilo Benavente, mayor of Chillán, Chile (PPD party), will be formally charged on October 16, 2026 for alleged fraud against the state treasury. Following a complaint filed in 2023 by former councillors Juan Pablo López and Joseph Careaga, prosecutors determined that Benavente overpaid 1.
Money laundering
Argentina's Federal Criminal Appeals Chamber rejected an extraordinary appeal by Martín Báez, son of businessman Lázaro Báez, who sought to overturn a 274 million dollar fine imposed as part of his conviction in the 'route of K money' money laundering case.
Fraud & scams
Panama reported 3,395 criminal complaints related to fraud and scams between January and June 2026, a 15% increase compared with 2,947 in the same period in 2025. The most significant finding is a 273% increase in computer program modification or manipulation, rising from 40 to 149 cases.
Bribery & corruption
Peru's judiciary imposed preventive detention measures against the president of the Superior Court of Justice of Apurímac and his spouse following a major anti-corruption operation.
Money laundering
Former Argentine senator Edgardo Kueider faces a new court appearance before Paraguay justice on July 23, 2026 on money laundering charges. Judge Humberto Otazú will determine whether Kueider and his partner Iara Guinsel continue under house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Trafficking
Arcesio Trujillo, a Colombian citizen operating under the alias 'Viejo Palpatine', was captured during Operation Shark by Peru's National Police Anti-Narcotics Directorate. Authorities seized 700 kilograms of high-purity cocaine valued at approximately 21 million dollars.
Money laundering
Ismael Zambada Garcia, also known as 'El Mayo,' age 76, was sentenced to life in federal prison and ordered to pay $15 billion in criminal forfeiture for his role as the principal leader of the Sinaloa Cartel for nearly four decades.
Fraud & scams
Investigators are examining a pyramid fraud operated under the name 'Avalon Capital Futures Investments' in Buenos Aires that promised substantial returns through cryptocurrency and stock investments.
Money laundering
Mexican authorities arrested Justo Aurelio Rivera Parrazales, alleged to be a logistical and financial operator for the Cartel del Noreste who allegedly designed money laundering schemes.
Other
Armando.info reports that of 43 towers across nine housing complexes built in La Guaira state by Venezuela's Oficina Presidencial de Planes y Proyectos Especiales (Opppe), 16 collapsed and 27 were left uninhabitable following earthquakes on 24 June 2026.
Money laundering
A 40-year-old Colombian citizen, Edwin Arley Cadavid Pineda, was detained at a police checkpoint in Choluteca, Honduras, carrying approximately 10,050 dollars in mixed denominations (8,800 US dollars, 32,800 Honduran lempiras and 920 Nicaraguan córdobas) without justification of the funds' origin.
Trafficking
Federal authorities detained a suspect identified as Justo Aurelio 'N' in Yucatán during coordinated raids.
Fraud & scams
A criminal network allegedly manipulated Panama's e-Tax platform to eliminate payment records of high-profile taxpayers. An internal audit by the General Revenue Authority (DGI) determined that $36.01 million of the $42.
Money laundering
Lawyer José Miguel Jurado Rovira surrendered voluntarily and was placed in preventive detention. The Attorney's Office charges him with corruption of public servants, money laundering, forgery of private documents and organised crime.
Other
Panama's Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) received 839 suspicious operation reports during the first half of 2026, representing a 23% decrease from 1,089 reports in the same 2025 period, according to the UAF.
Other
Attorney General Ernestina Godoy alleges that Ernesto Ruffo Appel (former PAN governor of Baja California) and Ricardo Thompson Navarro led the largest fuel smuggling network detected in Mexico.
Money laundering
Dominican authorities executed 20 raids in an investigation into a criminal network engaged in human trafficking, sexual exploitation and money laundering.
Money laundering
Swedbank AB agreed to pay a $50 million penalty to resolve an investigation by New York's Department of Financial Services into the bank's anti-money laundering controls and regulatory disclosures between 2007-2019.
Other
The transition team of president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella filed four formal complaints with the Attorney General and Comptroller's Office alleging irregularities in major government contracts: a 300 billion peso cybersecurity contract with allegedly rigged specifications, an ICBF convention worth 6.
Bribery & corruption
Two former Venezuelan National Treasurers were convicted by US federal judges for accepting bribes worth millions.
Money laundering
Former Tamaulipas governor Francisco García Cabeza de Vaca rejected accusations of being a 'fugitive from justice' after President Claudia Sheinbaum requested his extradition to the United States.
Bribery & corruption
The Scoular Company, an Omaha-based agricultural supply firm, entered a three-year deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to pay over $10 million to resolve charges of conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Other
Former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel was detained on 16 July 2026 by the General Attorney's Office for alleged participation in a fuel smuggling network.
Money laundering
Peter Michael Karam, a Canadian lawyer, faces charges in a money laundering investigation linked to Daniel Muñoz, the deceased private secretary of former Argentine president Néstor Kirchner.
Money laundering
Juan Carlos Minero Alonso, 35, director of financial firm Black Wallstreet Capital, faces organised crime and money laundering charges related to Colombian drug cartels.
Fraud & scams
Jaime Noé Hernández Bocanegra, former General Director of Personnel for the Government of Mexico State, was detained on 11 July 2026 in Guanajuato. He faces charges related to the alleged illegal sale of teaching positions in the Education Secretariat.
Money laundering
Juan Ignacio Suris, an entrepreneur from Bahía Blanca, heads an organization accused of incorporating illicit funds into the formal economic circuit through money laundering activities connected to drug trafficking and fraudulent invoice schemes. The case remains in preliminary trial phase.
Money laundering
Spanish National Police dismantled a cybercrime network accused of stealing and laundering approximately €140 million through fake investment platforms, CEO fraud, invoice fraud, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Fraud & scams
Brazil's Federal Police reported charges against 48 individuals involved in a massive pension fraud scheme. The investigation, code-named 'Sem Desconto', discovered the diversion of approximately 6.3 billion Brazilian reals ($1.
Sanctions
The UK Financial Conduct Authority issued a Decision Notice on 16 April 2026 proposing a £99,600 penalty against Carlos Ricardo Fuenmayor, CEO of BancTrust Investment Bank Limited, for breaching Senior Manager Conduct Rules, according to the FCA.
Bribery & corruption
In the ongoing trial before Federal Oral Court 7, former president Cristina Kirchner and 85 other defendants are accused of operating a corruption network involving bribes from business owners to government officials related to public works contracts.
Money laundering
Guatemala's former Infrastructure Minister José Luis Benito was convicted of fraud related to the Chimaltenango Highway project through a guilty plea agreement.
Money laundering
Authorities arrested four individuals—two in Portugal, one in Spain, and one in Panama—in connection with an alleged criminal network that prosecutors say stole €140 million across several European countries through fake investment platforms, CEO impersonation scams, fraudulent invoices and 'Man in the Middle' cyberattacks.
Fraud & scams
An Argentine federal court convicted former Planning Minister Julio de Vido to five years in prison for fraud by fraudulent administration to the detriment of the national state and passive bribery.
Fraud & scams
The National Police dismantled a criminal organization that stole €140 million through computer fraud in Spain, Portugal, and Panama. The network operated 800 bank accounts and 120 business entities using 67 foreign money mules. 1 person was arrested in Spain, 2 in Portugal, and 1 in Panama.
Money laundering
A Chilean court sentenced three people—two former municipal officials (N.C.M. and B.G.) and an associate (C.M.F.)—for tax fraud and asset laundering. The women received combined sentences of 8 years, while C.M.F. received 7 years.
Other
Nicaragua's General Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Wendy Morales, assumed control of the General Tax Revenue Directorate (DGI) and the General Customs Directorate (DGA), two entities accounting for over 95% of state revenues.
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions against Cuba's Tourism Ministry, state enterprises, and organizations linked to security.
Fraud & scams
Spain's National Police dismantled a cybercrime organization that allegedly defrauded 140 million euros across multiple European countries. The coordinated operation resulted in arrests across Spain, Portugal, and Panama.
Other
The Specialized Economic Crimes Court of Paraguay sentenced former Argentine senator Edgardo Kueider to two years suspended imprisonment for attempted smuggling. His former secretary and current partner, Iara Guinsel, received a sentence of one year and ten months, also suspended.
Fraud & scams
Detailed investigation of the 'Avalon Capital Futures Investment' fraud operation in Ituzaingó, which promised monthly returns of 2.5% to 5% and falsely claimed to represent the Argentine Chamber of Commerce.
Money laundering
Panamanian authorities charged 16 people—government officials and private citizens—for their participation in a scheme that manipulated the state tax system to erase records of obligations paid by major taxpayers.
Bribery & corruption
Facundo Leal, former director of ARSAT, was questioned regarding alleged corruption involving irregular selection of contractors. Investigators allege that state officials and private companies colluded to direct storage and logistics service contracts valued at more than 1.
Fraud & scams
Sixteen individuals identified as members of the criminal network 'Los Cyber' were arrested in simultaneous operations in multiple Colombian cities. The alleged leader of the group uses the alias 'Ralf'.
Other
Two penitentiary officials—corporal José Daniel Yunda Fajardo and inspector Édgar Alfredo Melo Forero—are accused of facilitating the escape of a Venezuelan prisoner affiliated with the criminal organization Tren de Aragua.
Bribery & corruption
Five National Police officers of Peru were detained in simultaneous operations in Ica and Lima, facing investigation for passive bribery proper to the exercise of their duties.
Fraud & scams
Three former highway officials face trial on fraud charges: Gustavo Marcelo Gentili (former Planning Manager, 2004-2008), accused of approving at least 22 contracts 'despite serious and numerous irregularities'; Sandro Férgola (former Works Manager, 2004-2007), accused of validating 26 allegedly…
Money laundering
Mexican authorities detained Alejandro Álvarez Puga in Cancún on the night of July 9, 2026. He is the brother of lawyer and businessman Víctor Manuel Álvarez Puga, who remains at large with his wife, television presenter Inés Gómez Mont.
Money laundering
Alejandro Mario Álvarez Puga, brother of Víctor Manuel Álvarez Puga, was detained on July 9, 2026 in Cancún. He is accused of participating in a complex network of shell companies allegedly used to divert approximately 2.
Bribery & corruption
The Federal Criminal Cassation Chamber annulled dismissals that benefited three lawyers accused of participating in a scheme to divert and use confidential information obtained from ANSES databases.
Bribery & corruption
Ecuador's Public Ministry alleges that Chinese state company Sinohydro delivered bribes equivalent to 4% of the value of a hydroelectric contract.
Money laundering
The Federal Chamber revoked the criminal proceedings and issued dismissals against Daniel Pérez Montero and Mario Alberto Ribeiro Ricci, Uruguayan financial operators, who had been accused of facilitating money laundering through a scheme involving a simulated loan contract.
Money laundering
Maximiliano Ariel Vallejo, a financier linked to AFA president Claudio Tapia, appeared for the second time before federal judge Luis Armella in Lomas de Zamora.
Other
The Attorney General's Office (FGR) dismantled a fuel smuggling network operating in nine states, seizing 170 railway tank cars and over 18 million liters of contraband hydrocarbons.
Fraud & scams
A court in Santa Tecla convicted Eduardo Emilio de la O to 17 years in prison for fraud.
Other
Noriel Araúz, former administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority, was detained on July 9, 2026 at Tocumen Airport. According to an audit by the Office of the Comptroller General, he is under investigation for alleged unjustified enrichment: Araúz handled approximately $2.
Bribery & corruption
The preliminary hearing against Juan Pablo Durán Escobar, former president of the Banco de Desarrollo de El Salvador (Bandesal), began on charges of arbitrary acts and improper bribery.
Other
An Ecuadorian judge ordered preventive detention for Darío Macas, mayor of Machala in El Oro province, on suspicion of illicit enrichment. His wife, Carmen Chávez, was also arrested and ordered into custody. Financial authorities detected suspicious patterns in Macas's wealth accumulation.
Bribery & corruption
Colombian state company Ecopetrol suspended a major maintenance contract for its two largest refineries following allegations of corruption and contract favoritism, according to the article.
Money laundering
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating Argentina's Football Association (AFA) for financial crimes, with prosecutors in Florida examining approximately $300 million in transactions connected to the association's commercial operations.
Bribery & corruption
Panamanian authorities detained approximately 19 people in Operation Pandora, investigating alleged corruption within the General Tax Directorate (DGI).
Money laundering
Suspended mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Alvarez, faces a third preventive detention order in the 'Goleada' case, accused of money laundering alongside his brothers Antonio and Xavier, according to prosecutors.
Other
The mayor of Sauce, province of Corrientes, Carlos Raúl Romano, and municipal auditor Pablo Ignacio Gauna face investigation for allegedly diverting over 150 million pesos in public funds through irregular budgetary practices and fictitious service contracts, according to the investigation.
Bribery & corruption
A hearing in the corruption trial of the Cuadernos case took an unusual turn when authorities mistakenly summoned a 73-year-old homonym instead of the ex-AFIP accountant scheduled as a witness.
Money laundering
Julio Marín González, owner of a cellular phone store chain in Sinaloa, was convicted by a U.S. federal court to 80 months in prison, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors alleged that he laundered approximately 1.
Money laundering
Authorities obtained audio recordings in which Jhobanis de Jesús Ávila Villadiego, alias Chiquito Malo, leader of the Gulf Clan, allegedly instructed his sister to build luxury properties in Antioquia using suspected drug trafficking funds, while simultaneously participating in peace negotiations with the Colombian government.
Money laundering
Economist José Luis Espert faces charges for allegedly receiving USD 200,000 in January 2020 through a U.S. bank account from Wright Brothers Aircraft Title Inc., a firm linked to Federico Machado's money laundering network.
Other
Darío Macas, mayor of Machala in Ecuador's El Oro province, was arrested under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment. During two raids, authorities also detained his wife and a third person.
Other
Labor Minister Freddy Solano is accused of falsifying a work certificate dated November 30, 2017 from JCU SRL company. The company manager, Carlos Ubillús, sent a letter in June 2024 stating that the document 'is not authentic' and that Solano never worked there.
Fraud & scams
Néstor Humberto Martínez, former Colombian Attorney General, is alleged to have designed a legal scheme that enabled Odebrecht to evade taxes and secure public contracts without competitive bidding in the Ruta del Sol II megaproject.
Money laundering
Experts allege that the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel may have utilized phantom remittances entering Banco del Bienestar to finance the ruling party and 2024 elections in Mexico.
Money laundering
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is pursuing legal action against Spanish businessman Víctor de Aldama, who has alleged that Rodríguez delivered an envelope connected to Venezuela's PDVSA purportedly linked to irregular financing of Spain's Socialist Party (PSOE).
Money laundering
Federal judge Luis Armella ordered an inspection of a property following a witness's testimony that videos showing millions of dollars could have been filmed there, according to the article.
Bribery & corruption
Marisol Torres Taipe, former secretary of the Human Resources Office of the Cusco Regional Government, was convicted to three years and four months of effective imprisonment, five years of disqualification from public office, a fine of 3,293.75 soles and civil liability of 3,000 soles to the State.
Money laundering
The Judicial Authority lifted the restricted appearance measures imposed on businessman Javier Miu Lei, co-investigated along with TV host Andrés Hurtado and suspended superior prosecutor Elizabeth Peralta for money laundering.
Money laundering
Wenshen Xu, a 52-year-old Chinese citizen, has accepted charges for conspiracy to import cocaine, money laundering from drug trafficking, and providing material support to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), according to U.S. Justice Department documents.
Money laundering
Brazil's federal police launched Operation Exchange on July 3, 2026, deploying more than fifty officers across São Paulo state to target suspects sanctioned by the United States over alleged ties to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) drug gang.
Bribery & corruption
Judge Cristina Lombana proposed that Colombian Senator Martha Peralta (Pacto Histórico party) remain free pending trial for alleged participation in an irregular contracting scheme involving the UNGRD (National Unit for Disaster Risk Management).
Fraud & scams
Mexico State prosecutors charged 33 former officials and individuals in a ghost-worker fraud scheme that allegedly embezzled over 96 million pesos from January 2025 to February 2026.
Fraud & scams
A therapeutic companion in Argentina was charged by prosecutors with participating in a fraud scheme affecting the IPROSS health insurance organization.
Fraud & scams
Attorney Édgar Francisco was sentenced to 1,018 years and 4 months in prison for defrauding more than 100 families in León, Guanajuato. Operating through his law office 'Punto Legal', he offered properties at low prices but never delivered the homes or returned the advance payments.
Other
José 'N' stands accused of aggravated robbery after allegedly stealing 10,066,000 pesos from Bansefi in April 2016, funds that were earmarked for social benefit programs. A federal control judge has linked him to the criminal process and imposed preventive detention.
Fraud & scams
Argentina's Supreme Court upheld the asset forfeiture system in the Vialidad corruption case against former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and businessman Lázaro Báez. Prosecutor Luciani recalculated the seizure amount at approximately 898 billion pesos (updated from an original 84.
Bribery & corruption
Two earthquakes on June 24, 2026 killed over 2,000 people in Venezuela and prompted calls for independent audits of housing structures built under the Great Housing Mission program.
Money laundering
Brazil's federal police launched Operation Exchange targeting suspects sanctioned by the United States over alleged ties to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) drug gang. A São Paulo court authorized the seizure of assets, cash and cryptocurrency worth up to approximately $2 billion.
Other
Lino Rodríguez González, regional government coordinator in the southern zone of the State of Mexico, was arrested on July 2, 2026 as part of Operation Swarm—a federal-state joint initiative targeting public officials allegedly linked to organized crime.
Money laundering
Former Argentine senator Edgardo Kueider faces trial in Asunción, Paraguay, for attempting to enter the country with undeclared currency. Authorities discovered approximately USD 211,000, 646,000 Argentine pesos and 3.
Fraud & scams
Jackson Mora Rodríguez, 51, was preliminarily detained on July 2, 2026, and prosecutors allege he is a member of the criminal organization 'The Architects of Fraud.' He is accused of coordinating the illegal transfer of approximately S/ 9,984,793 from the Municipality of Pueblo Nuevo's account.
Fraud & scams
Javier Galán, a provincial deputy from the Movimiento de Integración y Desarrollo (MID) party in Argentina, is alleged to be involved in misconduct related to a 'Banco de Medicamentos' program. The Medical College of Catamarca filed a criminal complaint for the suspected crime of embezzlement.
Bribery & corruption
Panama's National Police faces internal scrutiny after reassigning six officers to administrative functions while investigations for alleged corruption proceed.
Tax evasion
Chile's Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC) published on July 2, 2026 a report revealing that the illicit economy mobilizes over US$5.700 million annually, equivalent to 1.5% of national GDP and greater than the GDP of entire regions such as Ñuble or Los Ríos.
Money laundering
Judge Diego Amarante has charged Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and Pablo Toviggino in connection with alleged unlawful retention of union dues totaling approximately 19 billion pesos. Both individuals are currently under asset freezes of 350 million pesos and prohibited from leaving the country.
Fraud & scams
Mexico's Anti-Corruption and Good Government Secretariat issued on July 2, 2026 an alert about scammer networks impersonating federal public officials to extort primarily elderly persons.
Fraud & scams
Hugo Beras (former Intrant director), businessman Jochi Gómez, Juan Francisco Álvarez Carbuccia and José Ángel Gómez Canaán were sent to trial on June 5, 2026 on charges including embezzlement, criminal association, fraud against the State, sabotage, identity usurpation, technological offenses, document forgery and violations of the weapons law.
Fraud & scams
The Department of Justice charged eight alleged members of the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua with murders, kidnappings, and firearms offenses.
Bribery & corruption
Colombian Senator Iván Cepeda challenged vice president-elect José Manuel Restrepo Abondano on anti-corruption transition efforts, questioning whether he conducted similar oversight during the Duque administration's 'Populated Centers' scandal and the 'Ñeñe' associate case.
Money laundering
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Brazilian citizens—Victor Henrique de Oliveira Shimada and Stella Stefanie Nunes Henrique de Oliveira—and multiple companies for alleged involvement in money laundering connected to the PCC criminal organization.
Bribery & corruption
José Alberto Tinco Luján, president of the Superior Court of Justice in Apurímac, Peru, was detained for allegedly leading a criminal organization that sold judicial decisions and charged bribes to hire judges and judicial personnel, according to authorities.
Fraud & scams
La Policía Nacional de República Dominicana detained three Colombian citizens accused of being part of a network dedicated to defrauding merchants through false financing and investment offers.
Fraud & scams
Lima's First Specialized Court in Computer Crimes convicted Dan Herly Fernández Ramos (25 years old), known as 'Fake', to 9 years and 2 months imprisonment for aggravated fraud, identity impersonation and illegal possession of activated SIM cards.
Money laundering
Gilda Lozoya faces accusations of operations with illicitly sourced funds. She is alleged to have served as a front person for a company to conceal corruption and launder money related to the 2014 Agronitrogenados transaction, which authorities contend involved overbilling and bribery schemes.
Fraud & scams
A man in Resistencia, Chaco province was detained following accusations of embezzlement. The business owner alleged the employee diverted customer payments totaling 24 million pesos to accounts registered under the suspect's name.
Fraud & scams
Two individuals—José Luis Ramírez (52, from Neuquén) and Gabriela Noemí Such (46)—face fraud charges in connection with a 'confidence scam' targeting a 76-year-old victim in Bahía Blanca.
Money laundering
Representatives of Banfileños S.A. and the Banfileña Reconstruction Trust did not appear to testify before the Federal Criminal Court in Lomas de Zamora.
Money laundering
Five people were charged with operating an illegal network for producing and distributing counterfeit cigarettes in five provinces.
Fraud & scams
Oscar Guillermo Juraidini Silva, Mexican accountant, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department's OFAC on June 30, 2026, accused of designing and operating a corporate network that allowed the CJNG cartel to evade taxes on fuel imports.
Fraud & scams
A Chilean court convicted two high-ranking officials for illegal surveillance targeting military whistleblowers and a journalist.
Fraud & scams
Mario Alberto 'N' and Gerardo 'N', two lawyers in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, were formally charged with allegedly defrauding four clients of 366,000 pesos by abandoning succession lawsuits after receiving payment. A control judge formally charged both accused in the fraud case.
Fraud & scams
Peru's Central Reserve Bank (BCRP) and the Superintendence of Banking, Insurance and AFP (SBS) alerted on June 30, 2026 about three main fraud schemes circulating on social media.
Bribery & corruption
Judge Javierca Gómez ordered on June 30, 2026, one year of preventive detention against Gustavo Adolfo G. V. (migration agent) and Joel Antonio C. R.
Bribery & corruption
Senator Enrique Gómez announced filing 167 formal information requests to central government entities as part of Colombia's presidential transition process.
Bribery & corruption
Former AFIP officials testified before Federal Oral Court 7 regarding companies that made substantial cash dollar withdrawals whose destinations could not be traced, allegedly coinciding with dates when bribes were paid to secure public works contracts during the Kirchner administration.
Fraud & scams
A woman identified as Natalia A. S. allegedly defrauded the family of a prisoner in Chilecito, La Rioja by impersonating the secretary of prominent attorney Emanuel Lascoiti.
Money laundering
The Federal Appeals Court of San Martín confirmed that former senator Edgardo Kueider will face immediate detention upon returning to Argentina from Paraguay. Kueider was detained at Paraguay's border on December 4, 2024, carrying approximately $211,102 USD undeclared.
Money laundering
The Federal Chamber of Buenos Aires ordered unification of two separate investigations into Generación Zoe—the business conglomerate of Leonardo Cositorto—in a single federal court under judge Ariel Lijo.
Trafficking
A federal judge ordered custody of three men after authorities discovered more than 1,700 tires and more than 90 vehicles on a property in San Luis Potosí, along with five wildlife specimens including African lions.
Bribery & corruption
Manuel Adorni, chief of staff to Argentine President Javier Milei, resigned amid a corruption scandal involving unexplained wealth accumulation, property purchases, and luxury travel.
Mexico's Security Cabinet coordinated multi-agency operations in 16 states that resulted in numerous arrests and asset seizures.
Fraud & scams
Federal Oral Court 4 is hearing final statements from 30 defendants in the Skanska case, which investigates alleged bribery in gas pipeline expansion contracts. The verdict is expected within one to two weeks.
Money laundering
A small aircraft crashed in Playa Norte, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, carrying individuals with documented histories in financial crime. Two Costa Rican nationals were aboard: Luis Alejandro Giralt Apéstegui, who founded Bancus fintech platform, and Carlos Chinchilla Jiménez, the pilot.
Fraud & scams
Federal Oral Court 1 ordered execution of the Argentine Football Association's bond insurance to recover approximately $2.19 million in judicial custody since 2017. The case involves alleged public administration fraud through diversion of state broadcasting rights funds.
Money laundering
Juan Carlos Félix Gastelum, son-in-law of cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, pleaded guilty to four federal crimes in San Diego on June 26, 2026. The charges include three drug trafficking counts and one money laundering conspiracy charge, with sentencing scheduled for March 2027.
Money laundering
Paulo José Rodrigues de Freitas, known as the 'King of the Tax Inspectors Mafia,' was arrested on June 26 in Mairiporã, São Paulo metropolitan region. The former tax auditor of São Paulo's municipal government was arrested by Military Police agents during an operation at a public event.
Fraud & scams
Union leaders Genaro López (former Suntracs secretary general) and Marco Andrade (Conusi secretary general) were arrested for alleged embezzlement involving misappropriation of educational insurance funds totaling approximately $750,951.50.
Tax evasion
Argentina's appellate court upheld charges against AFA president Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino for unlawful retention of withheld funds totaling 19 billion pesos.
Bribery & corruption
Mexico City prosecutor Carla Rodríguez Saldaña from the Sexual Crimes Investigation Unit was removed from her position after authorities discovered that actor Vadhir Derbez's defense team possessed complete copies of confidential case files.
Bribery & corruption
Ecuadorian police detained 13 people including Ángela Plúa, mayor of Jipijapa canton, in 'Operation Digitador' targeting an organized crime network that allegedly manipulated vehicle registration processes.
Bribery & corruption
Colombia's Supreme Court opened an investigation into former Chamber of Representatives president Henry Fernando Correal Herrera regarding alleged irregularities in Galeras, Sucre.
Money laundering
The Chilean Public Ministry is preparing a mission to Haiti's capital to seize documents, money, and stamps linked to corruption allegations at Chile's consulate.
Bribery & corruption
Truck driver Nicolás Flores Orquezo from Puerto Madryn was sentenced to one year suspended prison for attempting to bribe a Chubut police officer during a vehicle inspection on August 28, 2025.
Money laundering
Carlos Ramón González, former director of the Presidential Administrative Department (Dapre), faces charges related to an alleged corruption scheme at the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (Ungrd).
Other
Luis Mariano Díaz González, son of deceased vallenato singer Diomedes Díaz, was arrested in Barranquilla alongside five others for alleged involvement in an illegal microloan operation.
Fraud & scams
Criminals in Peru are sending fraudulent messages simulating official Sutran (traffic authority) notifications, demanding payments for supposed fines while capturing personal and banking data.
Money laundering
Paraguay's Public Ministry charged former Argentine senator Edgardo Kueider, his secretary Iara Guinsel, and two Paraguayan intermediaries with alleged money laundering. The accusation centers on the purchase of six apartments and six parking spaces in Asunción valued at $480,000.
Money laundering
José Oscar Valdez Ramírez, former head of the FGR's Tax and Financial Crimes Unit, was sentenced to 27 years imprisonment for organized crime and money laundering operations.
Trafficking
Colombia's Special Assets Society (SAE) seized a 1.8-hectare property in Bogotá's Suba neighborhood that belonged to Juan Camilo Zapata Vásquez, a drug cartel leader from the 1980s allied with Pablo Escobar.
Money laundering
Argentina's Federal Tribunal No. 4 of San Martín convicted María Eugenia Maronna (49, auto agency owner), Fernando Aldo de Bórtoli (39), and Ricardo Gabriel Sosa (44, alias 'El Gaby') for laundering narcotics proceeds through purchase of a property lot (Lote 19) in Los Sauces country club, Pilar,…
Trafficking
Authorities in Medellín announced a major drug control operation on June 23, 2026, intercepting 1,755 kilograms of marijuana hidden in a truck in Copacabana. Five individuals aged between 37 and 49 years were captured in flagrante during the operation.
Money laundering
Argentine federal judge Lino Mirabelli summoned former deputy José Luis Espert, his accountant Mariano Alejandro Cosentino, and company Varianza SA for questioning on June 30, 2026 over alleged money laundering.
Fraud & scams
An Ecuador court increased on June 23, 2026, from four to eight years a sentence for embezzlement of public funds against Raúl Carrión, former Sports Minister under President Rafael Correa (2007-2017).
Money laundering
Businessman Víctor de Aldama faces investigation by Spain's National Audience for leading a hydrocarbon fraud scheme involving VAT evasion of €182.5 million and transferring nearly €74 million in criminal proceeds abroad between 2022-2024.
Money laundering
Argentina's Federal Court of Campana sent Jorge Alberto D'Onofrio (former Buenos Aires Province Transport Minister) and Facundo Asensio (former VTV Inspection director) to trial for aggravated money laundering.
Fraud & scams
Ecuadorian justice ordered José Arroyo, Mayor of Pujilí (detained since August 2025), and 16 municipal officials to stand trial for alleged embezzlement.
Bribery & corruption
On June 12, 2026, the U.S. Southern Command executed a lethal strike against Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias 'Niño Guerrero,' the founder and leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, in coordination with Venezuela's interim government.
Other
Manuel Adorni, Argentina's Chief of Cabinet, faces multiple allegations including alleged illicit enrichment (undeclared $506,000 in tax filings), suspected simulated credits disguised as personal debts, misuse of state resources (official airplane for private travel, multiple luxury family trips…
Bribery & corruption
Peruvian Army Captain Gary Chiroque Barreno, intelligence chief at Comando Unificado Pataz, was arrested on June 18 after demanding monthly protection payments from businessman Eduardo Varas Briceño. Police caught him receiving 4,000 soles in a sting operation.
Money laundering
Adita Hurtado Olascoaga, known as 'La Venadita,' serves as Nueva Familia Michoacana's primary financial operator. According to U.S. investigations and OFAC, she directs a money laundering network based on purchasing used clothing in the United States for subsequent resale in Mexico.
Fraud & scams
Panama's Public Ministry reported 2,834 fraud complaints between January-May 2026 (17% increase year-over-year).
Fraud & scams
Nancy Nápoles Pacheco, mayor of Tenancingo, State of Mexico, faces charges for allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping scheme to justify embezzlement of 40 million pesos from municipal funds.
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Fraud & scams
Mexican authorities arrested Lidia Silvia Cruz in the State of Mexico for alleged involvement in a multimillion-peso fraud scheme involving the sale of counterfeit World Cup 2026 tickets, luxury boxes, and related merchandise.
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Fraud & scams
Dozens of fans reported being defrauded by Daniel Ramírez Arévalo, who allegedly promised tickets to the Mexico vs.
Other
Brazilian Federal Police executed 18 simultaneous raids on June 18, 2026 (Operation Compliance Zero) targeting Senator Jaques Wagner, 75-year-old PT leader and Lula ally. Investigation alleges Wagner received $1M+ in improper benefits (cash, $2.
Money laundering
Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo stated during an appellate hearing that Odebrecht bribes totaled $45 million ($42M USD + €3M), contradicting previous judicial figures of $35M. Toledo claimed funds are held at LGT Bank in Zurich under account holder Urs Fidel Frick.
Fraud & scams
A 24-year-old restaurant worker at Mexico City Stadium was arrested after attempting to rent his official World Cup 2026 credentials. He posted his accreditation on Facebook in digital and printed formats, offering access to four tournament matches in VIP hospitality zone.
Bribery & corruption
Mexican Senator Enrique Inzunza (Morena party, Sinaloa) was accused by the U.S. Department of Justice on June 17, 2026, of allegedly conspiring with Sinaloa Cartel leaders to import massive quantities of narcotics to the U.S. in exchange for political support and bribes, and weapons possession.
Fraud & scams
Former Honduran prosecutor Francia Sofía Medina Martínez was found guilty on May 27, 2026, of embezzling approximately 89 million lempiras from Honduras's Central Bank (2019-2023) using falsified documents and privileged information.
Money laundering
Ronald Javier Macías Villamar (alias 'Javi'), 44, considered the maximum leader of Ecuador's Los Choneros criminal organization and brother of extradited alias 'Fito', was arrested in Bogotá's exclusive Quinta Paredes neighborhood on June 16-17, 2026, following over two months of surveillance.
Money laundering
The Federal Court of Cassation rejected another appeal by Martín Báez, eldest son of convicted businessman Lázaro Báez, on June 17, 2026, enabling execution of asset seizures following his six-and-a-half-year prison sentence in the 'K money route' case.
Bribery & corruption
Chile's Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating potential bribery and corruption involving public officials in connection with the trafficking of over 200 Haitian children who entered the country between January and April 2025.
Fraud & scams
Dominican court convicted 29 individuals in Operation Coral for defrauding the state of RD$4.5 billion (approximately $76.5M USD, 2012-2020) through phantom employees in security institutions.
Money laundering
Prosecutors in Lomas de Zamora allege a criminal organization embedded in Club Atlético Banfield's leadership operated in connection with Sur Finanzas holding, accused of running a professionalized money laundering structure.
Money laundering
Congressional testimony revealed Chinese financial networks laundering an estimated USD 312 billion for Mexican drug cartels between 2020-2024. Expert Leland Lazarus testified that Chinese money-laundering networks have become central financial enablers for drug cartels.
Trafficking
Venezuelan lawyer Oscar Cunto André, a senior attorney at Dentons' Venezuela offices, is mentioned in over 800 pages of Spanish National Police judicial proceedings in the 'Zapatero case' involving former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Money laundering
Dominican prosecutors filed charges against a network that diverted public funds designated for cancer treatments at Regional Oncological Institute of Cibao.
Other
Mexico's Federal Prosecutor's Office (FGR) arrested Héctor Taurino Landa Cabrera, former high-ranking administrator at the Mexican tax authority (SAT), on illicit enrichment charges.
Other
Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita is analyzing how to expand an illicit enrichment investigation into Manuel Adorni, Argentina's chief of staff, following Adorni's submission of his patrimonial declaration.
Bribery & corruption
Federal Judge Lino Mirabelli summoned five former ARSAT executives (Facundo Leal, Gerardo Boschin, Pablo Gastón Pagani, Juan Navarro, and Juan Álvarez) for questioning in a corruption investigation.
Money laundering
Argentina's National Chamber of Economic Criminal Law ordered an investigation into alleged money laundering to return to Buenos Aires jurisdiction. The case centers on a USD 17 million mansion in Pilar and a luxury vehicle collection worth approximately USD 4 million.
Fraud & scams
Multiple investigations target former officials and local administrators across Panama involving approximately $9 million in suspected embezzlement.
Bribery & corruption
Federal Prosecutor Ramiro González initiated investigation against Facundo Leal, former head of ORSNA and ARSAT, for unlawful enrichment and corruption during tenure at state company ARSAT.
Bribery & corruption
Former federal judge Walter Bento (63) allegedly led illicit organization demanding bribes in exchange for judicial favors across criminal cases. Network moved approximately $1.7 million USD in bribes plus real estate.
Sanctions
The EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia extends measures to cryptocurrency platforms operating in Georgia and other third countries.
Money laundering
Retired General Adolfo Mattos Vinces was apprehended after evading a confirmed five-year prison sentence for bribery.
Bribery & corruption
Federal judge Gastón Salmain accused of accepting $200,000 bribe in exchange for signing ruling that allowed financier to access $10 million at official exchange rates during currency controls.
Money laundering
Operation Tokio dismantled a Tren de Aragua cell that laundered illicit gains exceeding USD 85 million to Colombia. The criminal structure operated as an 'events production company' that extorted nightclub owners in Santiago, sold drugs, and trafficked women.
Money laundering
Leonardo Ayala, 26, a former retail banker at TD Bank N.A. in Florida, was sentenced to two years in prison for accepting bribes and facilitating money laundering.
Money laundering
Jaime 'Jimmy' Sanchez Soriano, 45, of Mexico, was indicted on conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine for importation into the United States and money laundering conspiracy.
Money laundering
A federal jury in Washington, D.C. has formally charged Jaime 'Jimmy' Sánchez Soriano, a 45-year-old linked to the Los Viagras criminal organization, with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine for importation into the United States.
Bribery & corruption
Financial informant Leonardo Fariña testified in Argentina's Cuadernos corruption investigation that businessman Lázaro Báez maintained close friendship with former president Néstor Kirchner, characterizing Báez as a 'trusted depositary' conducting commercial operations together.
Bribery & corruption
President Laura Fernández announced a comprehensive anti-corruption package including voluntary polygraph tests for key officials and reforms to migration and weapons laws. The initiative focuses on addressing criminal infiltration and restoring public trust through transparency measures.
Bribery & corruption
Polish-born activist Mónika Silva Koniuszek, president of the Fundación La Integridad, was found dead in her Montañita home. She had actively investigated and publicly denounced suspected corruption cases, including irregular land transfers involving government officials and their families.
Tax evasion
Argentina's Federal Criminal Cassation Court ruled that the Fiscal Innocence Law (Law 27,799) must be applied retroactively in tax evasion cases when more favorable to the defendant. A company executive facing charges involving approximately $1.99 million in unpaid income tax and roughly $33.
Tax evasion
Chilean PDI (Investigative Police) dismantled criminal organization in Valdivia involved in illegal trafficking and sale of seafood products (salmon, hake). Over 54 individuals detained including 3 Carabineros (police), 1 former Sernapesca official, 1 Valdivia municipality employee.
Other
Trial of former Argentine Senator Edgardo Kueider began before Paraguay's Specialized Court for Economic Crimes. Kueider and partner Iara Guinsel face smuggling charges after authorities seized $211,102 USD, 640,000 Paraguayan guaraní, and 3.
Money laundering
Peru's Public Ministry requested eight months of preventive detention for model Nadeska Widausky, who faces investigation for money laundering and asset imbalance.
Other
Peru's National Police detained 12 individuals on June 7, 2026, during the second round of elections on suspicion of falsifying electoral documents. Most of the detainees were polling place officials, and they remain under investigation at the State Crimes Division.
Money laundering
This investigation documents how Rifaat al-Assad, former commander of Syria's Defence Brigades and alleged architect of the 1982 Hama massacre, accumulated approximately €1 billion in concealed assets across Europe while evading accountability.
Money laundering
Argentine authorities dismantled a criminal organization running digital investment fraud schemes through over 70 simultaneous raids, with 21 detained across Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Santa Fe, Misiones, and Mendoza provinces.
Bribery & corruption
The Public Ministry and the Anticorruption Directorate of the National Police (Dircocor) detained nine officers at the Vitarte Police Station in Lima on charges of passive bribery.
Other
Morena's National Executive Committee reported the arbitrary detention of 20 activists and sympathizers in the municipality of Frontera, Coahuila, hours before the June 6 elections, after they publicly exposed an alleged vote-buying center.
Tax evasion
The Supreme Court of Argentina rejected a motion by Alejandro Burzaco and upheld the decision that revoked his dismissal in a case for alleged tax evasion and illicit association related to television rights for football tournaments.
Bribery & corruption
Venezuelan attorney Jeset García denounced procedural violations in the corruption trial against former minister Tareck El Aissami and others, alleging defendants were detained without judicial orders and denied proper legal representation.
Other
Peruvian Public Ministry formalized accusation against presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez requesting 5 years and 4 months imprisonment plus permanent prohibition from party leadership.
Trafficking
Los Cuinis operates the financial arm of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), converting illegal proceeds into legitimate assets through front companies including shopping centers, luxury hotels, restaurants, real estate firms, and medical clinics.
Money laundering
Judge ordered preventive detention for Vicko Villacís, mayor of Esmeraldas and Revolución Ciudadana member, following arrest on money laundering suspicion. Investigation revealed his company Reypezpacific S.A.
Money laundering
A control judge linked eight alleged members of the criminal network 'Del Caballito' (Maikol N., Salvador N., Laura N., Luis N., Manuel N., Elda N., Montserrat N., and Lilia N.) to criminal proceedings for issuing false tax receipts and operations with illicit-origin funds.
Money laundering
Imprisoned prosecutor Henry Amenábar accepted plea cooperation and revealed allegations of a bribery scheme tied to Peru's Lava Jato anti-corruption task force.
Fraud & scams
Ricardo Echegaray, former head of Argentina's tax authority (AFIP) during Cristina Kirchner's presidency, convicted in Oil Combustibles case.
Money laundering
Mayor Vicko Villacís of Esmeraldas and a judge were among eight people detained in a multi-province operation investigating alleged money laundering. Authorities determined that Villacís's company, Reypezpacific S.A.
Terrorist financing
Peruvian National Police Commander Arturo López Cárdenas, 30-year veteran who directed Criminalistics Department in Ayacucho, faces charges of illegally supplying weapons and ammunition to drug trafficking organizations and terrorist remnants in VRAEM region.
Other
Julio Enrique Acosta Bernal, former governor of Arauca Department and campaign coordinator for presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, convicted regarding Contract 322 from 2005 for hospital expansion work valued at approximately 7.026 billion Colombian pesos.
Bribery & corruption
Bolivian judge extended preventive detention for five months for former president Luis Arce (2020-2025), accused of breach of duty and anti-economic conduct when he was Minister of Economy during Evo Morales' government (2006-2019).
Bribery & corruption
Diego Spagnuolo, former director of Argentina's National Disability Agency (ANDIS), is resisting court-ordered voice recording for comparison with audio recordings that exposed alleged corruption. Federal Judge Ariel Lijo ordered the voice sample at prosecutor's request.
Money laundering
Operation XL526 resulted in 20 arrests in Santiago for a criminal network that extorted U.S. residents by posing as Sinaloa Cartel members. The network laundered proceeds via cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), electronic transfers, and remittance companies.
Bribery & corruption
A Mexico City judge indicted Tania 'N' for crimes against health and bribery. She was detained on May 26, 2026 in Iztacalco with more than 150 doses of narcotics. During the intervention, she offered 30,000 pesos to police officers to avoid her detention, adding the bribery charge.
Fraud & scams
The Federal Chamber of Comodoro Rivadavia confirmed the prosecution of two former officials from the Kirchnerist government who improperly collected the Potenciar Trabajo social plan while serving in public office, constituting a corruption offense related to embezzlement of funds designated for social assistance.
Money laundering
Ecuador's police arrested Vicko Villacís, opposition mayor of Esmeraldas from Citizens' Revolution movement (founded by former president Rafael Correa), on suspicion of money laundering.
Money laundering
Detention of Esmeraldas mayor Vicko Alfredo Villacís Tenorio and 7 public officials for allegedly laundering approximately USD $15-17 million in assets. Operation 'Blindaje' executed 18 raids in 4 provinces.
Other
Manuel 'N' was linked to process for transporting approximately 916 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a compartment beneath a refrigerated box of a tractor-trailer traveling from Nayarit to Tijuana.
Money laundering
Former director of Panama's Instituto para la Formación y Aprovechamiento de Recursos Humanos (IFARHU), Bernardo 'Nando' Meneses, faces four judicial proceedings for aggravated embezzlement and money laundering involving 11 people.
Bribery & corruption
Dominican Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso reiterated institutional commitment to prosecuting corruption, stating the Public Ministry will not cease efforts under any circumstance.
Money laundering
The investigation centers on Sur Finanzas, a financial firm linked to Argentina's Football Association (AFA), accused of money laundering, criminal conspiracy, and fraudulent administration.
Bribery & corruption
Federal police discovered sophisticated surveillance equipment during raid on Facundo Leal's apartment, including 19 hidden cameras/microphones in everyday objects, satellite phone, and signal detection devices.
Fraud & scams
Transparency Venezuela documented 719 assets across 21 countries traced to corruption investigations from Venezuela (2009-2026), totaling over $3.9 billion.
Money laundering
The FGR detailed how the criminal organization 'El Caballito' operated through 15 shell companies and civil associations in Jalisco, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Quintana Roo, generating over 12 billion pesos in false invoices.
Money laundering
Chilean authorities dismantled Tren de Aragua criminal cell that laundered over USD 87 million to Colombia through cryptocurrency companies.
Fraud & scams
Colombia's Special Assets Society (SAE) announced recovery of 32 properties valued at approximately 19.5 billion pesos linked to Francisco Javier Piedrahita Sánchez, deceased drug trafficking financier.
Fraud & scams
Luis Oliva, former director of Panama's National Authority for Government Innovation (2019-2024), was detained for embezzlement, corruption of public officials and illicit association. The General Comptroller identified a suspected asset increase exceeding $937,000.
Bribery & corruption
Federal Oral Court 4 set for June 22 the final statements of 30 accused individuals in the Skanska case, considered one of the first corruption cases of the Kirchnerist government since 2006.
Money laundering
Maximiliano R., 47-year-old gardener from Canning, and his son Rodrigo R. arrested by Federal Police Money Laundering Division after millionaire banking movements triggered AFIP/ARCA alarms inconsistent with declared income.
Fraud & scams
Facundo Leal, former president of ARSAT and ORSNA who served under both Alberto Fernández and Javier Milei administrations, was arrested on May 28, 2026 with over $2.5 million in undeclared cash, drugs (ketamine, MDMA, cocaine), and a mysterious single-person company.
Bribery & corruption
The Public Ministry conducted urgent proceedings at EsSalud headquarters investigating alleged corruption related to a proposed Emergency Decree. The investigation focuses on a potential direct contracting scheme valued at S/ 1.8 billion that would have avoided standard public bidding procedures.
Money laundering
Facundo Leal, 42-year-old lawyer, former president of state company ARSAT (2022-2026) and former director of ORSNA appointed by the Milei administration in 2025, was detained for alleged money laundering and drug trafficking.
Money laundering
On May 29, Ecuador's Prosecutor's Office included the wife, mother and two cousins of jailed Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez in a case for alleged money laundering.
Money laundering
On May 29, the General Prosecutor's Office dismantled the criminal organization 'Del Caballito', dedicated to money laundering and issuance of false tax receipts. 440 personnel were deployed across nine states with 30 simultaneous raids.
Fraud & scams
Chile's school nutrition agency director filed fraud charges alleging approximately $14 billion pesos in payments for snacks that were never delivered to low-income students in O'Higgins region during the Boric administration.
Money laundering
A 26-year-old man was captured in northern Cauca with more than 74 million pesos in cash during security operations for the presidential election. He was detained for alleged money laundering. Preliminary hypothesis points to financing of criminal structures or electoral corruption practices.
Buenos Aires Provincial Prosecutor's Office conducted 90 simultaneous raids across Argentina (Buenos Aires, Jujuy, Mendoza, Santa Fe, Misiones, Córdoba, Formosa, Entre Ríos), resulting in 21 arrests for investment fraud, fake applications, and money laundering through cryptocurrencies.
Money laundering
Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit issued a preventive advisory on May 27 highlighting elevated risks of money laundering and human trafficking during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fraud & scams
Colombian authorities arrested 11 individuals for allegedly diverting over $3 billion in state subsidies through biometric fraud and identity manipulation.
Colombia's National Police executed Operation Nemesis Plus, seizing properties valued at over 24.934 billion pesos ($24.9B COP) for asset forfeiture.
Money laundering
Third cooperating witness Gabriel Mizzau, public accountant, admitted to simultaneously working for former Judge Marcelo Bailaque and drug trafficker Esteban Lindor Alvarado. Confessed to money laundering 2014-2018 through two shell companies belonging to Alvarado organization.
Money laundering
Judge Marcelo Aguinsky charged Luis Fernando Vuteff, Argentine financier, with money laundering of illicit sources conducted habitually and imposed an embargo of $5.1 million USD. Vuteff was convicted in the US (December 2024) to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to launder $1.
Trafficking
Isaí 'N' (alias 'El Chinacate'), identified as alleged nephew of drug trafficker Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán Loera, was arrested in Nogales, Sonora. He faces charges related to organized crime and drug trafficking, with an active extradition order to the United States.
Money laundering
Colombia's National Police executed on May 26, 2026, Operation Nemesis Plus, an asset forfeiture action on property valued at more than 24,934 million Colombian pesos in Bogotá, Cúcuta, and San Cayetano (Norte de Santander).
Money laundering
After a seven-year investigation, authorities dismantled a criminal organization that transported cocaine from Buenos Aires to Río Negro, with 15 people arrested and more than 100 kilos of drugs seized.
Other
The Comptroller General's document identifies alleged penal and administrative responsibilities among officials of the National Electoral Processes Office for decisions related to the contracting of transport services and the distribution of electoral computer equipment in Lima.
Fraud & scams
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales faces multiple corruption investigations spanning his nearly 14-year tenure. The allegations center on abuse of political influence and mismanagement of state resources.
Fraud & scams
Law enforcement in Buenos Aires dismantled a criminal organization operating fraudulent investment schemes. The investigation involved 10 raids across the capital and Buenos Aires Province, resulting in three arrests and 11 identified suspects from two families.
Money laundering
Alex Saab was deported from Caracas to the United States on May 16, 2026, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores on January 3, 2026.
Bribery & corruption
Peru's Public Ministry opened preliminary investigation into former Provías Nacional (National Transport Infrastructure agency) executives regarding alleged irregularities in awarding road maintenance contract in Cusco valued over 264 million soles.
Fraud & scams
Leoncio Ccalloapaza Canaza, official at the Treasury Department of the National University of San Agustín (UNSA), misappropriated over 5.9 million soles during nearly a decade (2016-2025).
Money laundering
Deolane Bezerra (38), influencer with 22 million Instagram followers, detained along with 5 others on suspicion of laundering money for Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Brazil's largest criminal faction. They used shell companies and high-value transfers without economic basis.
Bribery & corruption
On May 19, 2026, in Medellín, a police subintendant was arrested accused of accepting a 500 million pesos bribe to allow the escape of a prisoner wanted by Peru. A judge issued an arrest warrant on May 16 for crimes including aggravated bribery.
Bribery & corruption
The Public Ministry requested 30 years imprisonment for former television presenter Andrés Hurtado for allegedly intervening to recover 100 kilos of seized gold for a family company in exchange for a commission of one million dollars.
Money laundering
Two high-level economic operators of the Ortega-Murillo regime face accusations of laundering approximately $10 billion—nearly half of Nicaragua's GDP.
Money laundering
Paraguay's judiciary ordered preventive detention for former senator Erico Galeano, previously convicted to thirteen years in prison for money laundering related to drug trafficking.
Money laundering
Dominican Republic's Prosecution presented on May 19, 2026, before the courts Jefry Leonardo Cepeda Núñez, alleged leader of a criminal network accused of defrauding over RD$200 million (approximately USD 3,360,000) from a financial entity.
Bribery & corruption
Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office initiated 60-day preliminary investigation against former Lima mayor Rafael López Aliaga for alleged collusion and incompatible negotiation in 'irregular' and 'illegal' S/4 billion municipal bond issuance that committed up to 61% of municipality's historical income.
Money laundering
Alex Nain Saab Moran, 55, Venezuela's former Minister of Industry and National Production, charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Sanctions
On May 14, the economic criminal court rejected AFA's and Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia's attempt to appeal the decision to prosecute for alleged improper withholding of tax and social security contributions linked to Argentine football clubs.
Money laundering
Federal prosecutor Guillermo Marijuán charged Francisco Adorni, provincial deputy of Buenos Aires and former Defense Ministry official, with illicit enrichment and money laundering.
Bribery & corruption
The former president of Nucleoeléctrica Argentina, state nuclear energy company, was charged with corruption. The accused had been selected as president of Nucleoeléctrica by president Javier Milei, and previously served as his chief of staff until July 2025.
Trafficking
Authorities dismantled a sophisticated scheme that simulated legitimate coffee export operations using shell companies, intermediaries and complex financial transactions to conceal illicit money and facilitate drug shipments to Europe.
Other
Internal PDVSA documents revealed shell companies controlled by Carlos Malpica Flores and Maduro associates exported approximately $11 billion Venezuelan crude oil during 2021-2022 without state oil company receiving payment.
Fraud & scams
President Claudia Sheinbaum requested National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) director Arturo Reyes Sandoval publicly clarify investigations into alleged embezzlement and financial mismanagement at institution.
Federal jury in Miami found former U.S. Congressman David Rivera, 60, and lobbyist Esther Nuhfer, 51, guilty of secretly lobbying on behalf of Venezuelan government and laundering millions of dollars in violation of Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA).
Bribery & corruption
Former Bolivia Central Bank president Edwin Rojas and three ex-managers arrested for allegedly irregular bond purchases. La Paz prosecutor reports $124 million economic loss to state.
Bribery & corruption
Presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez of Juntos por el Perú faces constitutional complaint for two corruption offenses during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism: incompatible dealings and improper use of office.
Money laundering
Keiko Fujimori faces a preparatory investigation for money laundering during her 2011 campaign.
OFAC sanctioned over two dozen individuals, companies, and vessels tied to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's multi-billion dollar oil smuggling network.
Fraud & scams
Rafael Zaga Tawil was arrested in Florida, sought by Mexican authorities for an approximately 5.088 billion peso fraud scheme involving Infonavit.
Bribery & corruption
Corruption scandal in Brazil involves Banco Master with revelations of substantial payments to high-ranking officials, political leaders, and judicial members, intensifying six months before the presidential elections.
Money laundering
Gabriel Arturo Castillo, 52, of Monterrey, Mexico, pleaded guilty to participating in two-year, multimillion-dollar trade-based money laundering conspiracy that moved drug trafficking proceeds through Texas to Mexico.
Money laundering
Peru's Public Ministry is investigating a Puno-based company for suspected money laundering linked to illegally sourced gold. A 5.
Bribery & corruption
The mayor of Miguel Iglesias Municipal District (Cajamarca), Santos Delgado Díaz, was detained along with municipal manager Ronald Mendoza Domínguez and secretary Mirella Mendoza Bustamante, accused of soliciting a S/200,000 bribe from a businessman responsible for a local public works project.
Fraud & scams
Guatemala Health Ministry unveiled internal audit revealing systematic corruption in pharmaceutical registration. A pharmaceutical chemist and technical director led a fraud network with family assistance.
FinCEN issued expanded Geographic Targeting Order to help law enforcement combat illicit activities and money laundering of Mexico-based cartels and other criminal actors along southwest border.
Money laundering
Chilean authorities dismantled a money laundering operation called 'Los Monarcas de Cali' that transferred approximately USD 93 million to Colombia. Fifteen individuals were detained: twelve Colombian nationals and three Chilean citizens.
Fraud & scams
Daniel Vorcaro, 42-year-old businessman and principal shareholder of Banco Master, was arrested for allegedly orchestrating fraudulent credit titles through the bank and maintaining a network of regulatory collaborators to evade oversight.
Money laundering
FINMA withdrew license of MBaer Merchant Bank AG and ordered liquidation following serious AML/sanctions compliance failures. Bank enabled clients to circumvent official asset freezes; 80% of business relationships carried increased risks, with 98% of recent assets from high-risk clients.
Money laundering
Between January 2015 and December 2025, Peru's financial intelligence system confirmed that illegal mining became the country's primary source of money laundering. USD $11,969.
Fraud & scams
World Bank announced 15-month debarment of Ecuador-based Consultoria Técnica Cia. Ltda. CONTEC in connection with fraudulent practices under the Guayaquil Wastewater Management Project.
Fraud & scams
The Peruvian Public Ministry is investigating representatives from eight companies accused of operating an illegal mining operation.
Money laundering
Wenshen Xu, 52, a Honduras-based Chinese national, pleaded guilty to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and providing material support to the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Money laundering
Bulgarian authorities investigated approximately €500 million in fraudulent transfers through Investbank (2017-2019) allegedly from Venezuelan state entities (PDVSA, Corpovex, Bandes) linked to Nicolás Maduro's regime. Only €46 million frozen; remaining €450 million redirected to offshore accounts.
Money laundering
Mexican tax authority (SAT) detected a complex money laundering structure that allegedly moved approximately 10 billion pesos in less than three years.
Money laundering
Yan Lin, 41, California, charged with conspiracy to launder money derived from fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine sales for Mexico-based drug traffickers (March 2022-October 2024).
FinCEN announced multi-tiered operation targeting more than 100 U.S. money services businesses (MSBs) operating along southwest border for potential non-compliance with AML regulations.
Bribery & corruption
Eduardo Salhuana Cavides, current President of Peru's Congress, faces three investigations for corruption crimes related to his management as general manager of the Madre de Dios Regional Government (2015-2016).
OFAC designated Zaid Abdulnasser (alias 'Tamim, Zid') of Germany and Rawa Alsagheer (alias 'Al-Saghir, Ruwaa') of Brazil, as well as Autistici Inventati (Italy-based), Masar Badil (Palestinian Alternative Revolutionary Path Movement, operating in Brazil, Germany, Canada, Belgium, and Spain), and…
On June 25, 2025, FinCEN identified three Mexico-based financial institutions as primary money laundering concerns, accused of processing millions in transactions linked to Mexican drug cartels.
Money laundering
Swiss regulator FINMA's license revocation of MBaer Merchant Bank became legally binding in late February 2026 after bank withdrew appeal.
OFAC designated 11 individuals and two entities connected to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel for their roles in laundering drug proceeds, adding six Ethereum addresses to the SDN list.
OFAC designated six targets connected to Cartel del Noreste (CDN), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Action targeted Casino Centenario in Nuevo Laredo (two miles from U.S. border) and Diamante Casino in Tampico, which CDN allegedly used for money laundering and as drug stash houses.
Director of the Internal Revenue Service (SII) Jorge Trujillo outlined three strategic priorities for 2026-2030: reducing tax evasion, facilitating tax compliance and providing greater certainty to taxpayers.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office in Frankfurt led an investigation into suspected customs evasion involving gelatine imports between affiliated companies. Coordinated searches were carried out on August 5, 2026, across Brazil, Belgium, and Germany.
OFAC designated over 50 Mexican individuals and entities connected to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), marking its largest action ever against this organization. The action targeted CJNG's leadership structure, including new leader Juan Carlos Gonzalez (a.k.a.
Sanctions
The Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and entities and identified 10 Ecuador-based fishing vessels as blocked property in connection with a cocaine trafficking network affiliated with violent Ecuadorian criminal organizations Los Choneros and Los Lobos.
Other
An investigation by OCCRP, Código Morse, and Shomrim revealed that NSO Group co-founder Shalev Hulio used an Israeli diplomatic passport to enter Panama in December 2013, according to migration records that show he listed his profession as 'diplomat' and stated he would stay at the Israeli embassy.