Ex-DEA Agent Charged in $12M Crypto Laundering Scheme Linked to Cartel
Paul Campo, a former Deputy Chief of the DEA's Office of Financial Operations, faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and money laundering for allegedly processing $750,000 in cartel funds through digital assets. The indictment claims Campo agreed to launder $12 million total, using cryptocurrency conversions to obscure the trail.
Prosecutors allege Campo collaborated with co-defendant Robert Sensi, who boasted of their ability to exploit DEA intelligence networks. Sensi reportedly told an undercover operative posing as a CJNG cartel member that Campo could provide both laundering services and sensitive law enforcement data.
The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of crypto's role in high-stakes financial crimes. Campo's background in federal financial operations adds irony to charges that he facilitated payments for 220kg of cocaine imports.
