Illegal networks, allegedly involved in laundering $35 billion derived from smuggling and drug trafficking, were dismantled

10 people were arrested and brought before justice. Five of them allegedly legalized resources of a structure involved in smuggling activities through the border area of Ecuador. The other five, apparently, served as front men for the extradited drug trafficker “El Señor del Desierto.” 

As part of the Strategic Direction defined by the Attorney General, Francisco Barbosa Delgado, which takes into account the pursuit of assets and sources of financing of criminal structures, an investigative plan was created to reveal the illicit maneuvers of two different organizations to launder $35 billion. 

These results were possible thanks to the joint action of the Office of the Attorney General, through the Special Office against Money Laundering and the Dijin of the National Police. 

Five alleged members of a ‘shell company’ named Ralfer were arrested in Ipiales (Nariño). This company was allegedly set up to justify the illegal profits obtained from smuggling in the border area of Ecuador. The evidence shows that this organization operated for two years. 

The reports indicate that Ralfer LTDA was created with a capital of 50 million pesos and its purpose was to trade coffee, textile products, and clothing. Through this facade, the partners, apparently, reported alleged imports for a value less than the real value of the merchandise abroad. In his way, they reduced and evaded the payment of taxes.  

Likewise, there is evidence indicating that they proved profits that were obtained from the sale of smuggled items in the country as if they had entered the country at market prices, giving this way the appearance of legality to the illicit money. Due to these facts, the legal representative of the company, Florentino Fernando Revelo; two partners, José Alfredo Revelo and José David Ruiz Latorre; and two accountants were brought before a supervisory judge. 

The Office of the Attorney General charged them with money laundering. The first three individuals pleaded guilty to the charges and a prison sentence was issued against them. The accountants did not plead guilty.