Valentina Forero Álvarez, a Colombian national, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering after leading a transnational organization that laundered more than $31 million in drug proceeds through the United States financial system.
“Forero Álvarez presided over an international network that exploited our financial system to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Narco-terrorists and their associates who believe they can hide their crimes through complex laundering schemes or residency abroad will be found, brought to the United States, prosecuted, and held accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama commented on the investigation’s outcome: “This case demonstrates the relentless commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to dismantle transnational criminal organizations that threaten the integrity of our financial system and the safety of our communities. The successful disruption of this sophisticated money laundering network was the result of outstanding collaboration between HSI, our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Together, we will continue to pursue those who seek to profit from illegal narcotics and ensure they are brought to justice.”
Court records show that Forero Álvarez managed couriers who traveled from Colombia into the United States on tourist visas. These couriers collected large amounts of cash in various cities nationwide before depositing funds into accounts linked to shell companies or businesses involved in unregulated currency exchanges.
The couriers made deposits not only in Georgia but also across at least 14 other states including Michigan, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.
During the investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations—working alongside other federal agencies—authorities seized over $4.8 million suspected as drug proceeds. In total, more than $31 million was deposited into accounts opened by Forero Álvarez’s network; about $2.9 million was traced specifically within Georgia’s Northern District.
Forero Álvarez is 33 years old and from Armenia, Colombia. She remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg at a future date. Her conviction could lead to up to 20 years in prison along with fines up to twice the value of laundered funds and forfeiture of assets tied to her offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Brown and Nicholas L. Evert are prosecuting this case.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal groups nationwide.
The office overseeing this case serves as both principal federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia—including Atlanta suburbs—and handles cases with national or international dimensions (official website). It prioritizes threats such as terrorism and drug trafficking while representing public safety interests for approximately 7.5 million residents (official website). Theodore S. Hertzberg currently holds the position of United States Attorney for this district (official website).
Further information is available via the Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.
