Former DEA chief, Paul Campo, and his associate, Robert Sensi, have been arrested in New York on charges of narcoterrorism, terrorism, narcotics distribution, and money laundering. Campo is accused of orchestrating a scheme to funnel $12 million (£9 million) to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) by converting money into cryptocurrency. The CJNG, responsible for 80% of cartel-related deaths in Mexico over the past decade, was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department earlier this year.
Campo, who served with the DEA for nearly 25 years, allegedly used his financial expertise to assist the cartel in laundering drug proceeds and facilitating cocaine trafficking. Despite leaving the DEA in 2016 to establish a financial consultancy firm, Campo’s alleged involvement in criminal activities has been met with strong condemnation from law enforcement officials.
DEA Administrator Terrance C Cole emphasized that Campo’s indictment sends a clear message that those who betray public trust will face consequences. The arrest underscores the commitment to holding individuals, even former law enforcement agents, accountable for criminal behavior that undermines the integrity of the justice system.
