A former high-ranking official with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) faces federal charges for allegedly collaborating with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and participating in a scheme to launder approximately $12 million in drug money.
The official is Paul Campo, who worked for approximately 25 years at the DEA, rising to the position of Deputy Director of the Office of Financial Operations. He retired from the agency in January 2016, after spending much of his career investigating drug trafficking finances.
According to an indictment filed in New York, Campo and his associate, Robert Sensi, allegedly agreed to launder approximately $12 million in CJNG proceeds. Prosecutors also allege that both men participated in cocaine trafficking operations and converted approximately $750,000 in cash into cryptocurrency as part of the scheme.
The investigation unfolded through an undercover operation in which an informant posed as a cartel member. According to prosecutors, Campo even offered his knowledge and experience as a former federal agent to assist the criminal organization.
Campo and Sensi were arrested in New York and face charges related to narcoterrorism, cocaine trafficking, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and money laundering. The charges stem from the prosecutors' allegations, and the defendants pleaded not guilty.
