Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Laundering Over $1.9 Million in Drug Proceeds

Daniel Gordiano Valenzuela, 60, residing in Mexico at the time of arrest, admitted to his role as a 'money broker' in a drug money laundering scheme. He coordinated the laundering of approximately $1.97 million obtained from drug sales in the United States, utilizing a network of co-conspirators to collect the cash across various U.S. locations. After the cash was delivered, Valenzuela directed the transfer of these funds via cryptocurrency or wire transfer, earning a commission from the successful laundering.

The case was investigated by the DEA Detroit Field Division and IRS Criminal Investigation Detroit, with cooperation from multiple DEA offices across the U.S. and Mexico. Prosecutors from the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are handling the case, which is part of broader efforts to combat transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.

Valenzuela faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 19. The investigation underscores ongoing U.S. law enforcement efforts to disrupt financial networks supporting drug trafficking and organized crime, especially those utilizing digital currencies for illicit transfers.