Four Colombian Nationals Charged In International Drug Money Laundering Conspiracy

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, announced the filing of one count indictment charging four defendants for their participation in an international money laundering conspiracy in which they laundered millions of dollars for transnational drug trafficking organizations.

Charged in the indictment were Dilleman Hernando Solorzano-Lozano, 46, Isaac Perez Guberek Ravinovicz, 77, Henry Guberek Grimberg, 55, and Johanna Patricia Ceballos-Bueno, 27, all Colombian nationals. More specifically, the defendants are charged with conspiracy to launder the illegal proceeds from the manufacture, importation, sale, and distribution of a controlled substance. If convicted, the defendants face a possible maximum statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Money launderers provide a critical service to narco-traffickers, helping them to wash, move, and hide their drug money. Today’s indictment, however, sends a message to those who hide behind seemingly legitimate businesses to launder drug money. The reach of American justice is as long as it is strong. With the help of our international law enforcement partners, we will find you and you will be brought to justice.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Mark R. Trouville stated, “Drug traffickers' main motivation to enter the illegal drug trade is making money, and they will go to any length to hide and protect their drug profits. These bad actors often depend on international businesses to facilitate the illegal movement of their drug profits. But be on notice: whether you are a successful businessman or a secretary, if you assist drug traffickers to launder their funds, you will face the same justice.”

In a separate action also announced today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the designation of Isaac Perez Guberek Ravinovicz, his son, Henry Guberek Grimberg, and Johanna Patricia Ceballos-Bueno, as well as 29 other individuals and entities, including companies located in Colombia, Panama, and Israel, as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (SDNTs). This action, taken pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act), generally prohibits U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions with these entities and individuals, and freezes any assets they may have under U.S. jurisdiction. Since June, 2001, the Treasury Department has designated more than 1,200 individuals and entities linked to 103 drug kingpins.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the DEA and the U.S. Treasury Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael B. Nadler.

An indictment is only an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.