Narcocorridos Producer Ángel Del Villar Sentenced to Four Years for Money laundering
Breaking News: In a landmark decision this Friday, narcocorridos producer Ángel Del Villar has been sentenced to four years in federal prison and fined $2 million for engaging in illegal dealings with a concert promoter implicated in money laundering for a powerful drug cartel. This conviction marks a significant moment, as Del Villar is the first entrepreneur in the genre to be prosecuted and found guilty in the United States under the Kingpin Act, a law that strictly prohibits commercial relations with designated foreign drug kingpins.
The Kingpin act and its Impact
The Kingpin Act aims to combat international drug trafficking by targeting those who facilitate or profit from it. Del Villar’s conviction underscores the U.S. goverment’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who violate these stringent financial sanctions.His sentencing, scheduled for December 1, with a request to serve time in Southern California, sends a clear message throughout the music industry regarding illicit financial ties.
Del Villar’s record label, Del Records, also faced repercussions, receiving a three-year probation sentence and a $1.8 million fine. The label was instrumental in launching the careers of artists like peso pluma, whose hit song ‘She Dances Alone’ gained significant popularity.
Key Testimony from gerardo Ortiz
Central to the prosecution’s case was the testimony of renowned artist Gerardo Ortiz. Ortiz, who himself pleaded guilty to singing at events that facilitated money laundering, detailed his interactions and growing concerns about the business practices. He testified that Del Villar allegedly misled him into performing at the San Marcos Fair in Aguascalientes in April 2018, a concert contractually linked to jesús Pérez Alvear, also known as ‘Chucho.’ Perez Alvear was identified as a key figure laundering money for the jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG).
Ortiz recounted how FBI agents intercepted him at Phoenix airport in 2018, warning him about the sanctions against Pérez Alvear. Despite these warnings, Ortiz was flown to the Aguascalientes event via a $50,000 private jet, arranged by those managing his career. “I was afraid to go. I lost the flight, it became late. Then the only way I could get there was on a private plane,” Ortiz stated in court, expressing his apprehension.
Unraveling the Network
The investigation,which began four years prior to Del Villar’s June 2022 arrest,delved deep into the operations of Del Records.Federal prosecutors presented evidence including videos,private messages,and financial records,demonstrating that Del Villar and Pérez Alvear continued their business relationship despite the sanctions. Prosecutor Balding emphasized the high value of this commercial relationship, suggesting Del Villar knowingly risked violating Treasury Department measures.
| Individual/Entity | Role | Sentence/Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Ángel Del Villar | Narcocorridos Producer, Owner of Del Records | 4 years prison, $2 million fine |
| Del records | Record Label | 3 years probation, $1.8 million fine |
| Jesús Pérez alvear (‘Chucho’) | Promoter, Alleged Money Launderer for CJNG | Deceased (shot in Mexico City) |
| Gerardo ortiz | Artist, Key Witness | Pled guilty, awaiting sentence |
The case illuminated the pervasive influence of organized crime within Mexico’s lucrative concert promotion industry.Pérez Alvear reportedly used force to secure concessions for concerts, with the CJNG allegedly mixing illicit funds with legitimate income from events. This revelation provides critical insight into how cartel money can infiltrate various sectors of the entertainment economy.
FBI Investigation and Informant’s Role
The FBI’s probe was extensive, encompassing digital forensics, financial audits, and surveillance. A pivotal informant was Brian Gutiérrez, former vice president of external affairs at Del Records. Gutiérrez reportedly provided the FBI with crucial details and recordings over three years, earning approximately $25,000 for his cooperation. Despite being on the witness list, Gutiérrez was ultimately not called to testify, a point noted by Del Villar’s defense attorney, Drew Findling, who suggested this was a deliberate omission.
Findling argued that the accusations were fabricated and aimed to frame his client. The defense maintained that gutiérrez orchestrated a plot against Del Villar. Following the jury’s conviction in march, Findling expressed his intention to appeal the case.
Evergreen Insights: The Music Industry and financial Crime
The conviction of Ángel Del Villar serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between the entertainment industry and financial crimes. It highlights several critical points:
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Financial institutions and businesses, especially those operating internationally, face intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the U.S. Department of the Treasury.Compliance with sanctions and anti-money laundering laws is paramount.
- Due Diligence: Artists, promoters, and record labels must exercise rigorous due diligence when vetting business partners and clients. Understanding the source of funds and the background of associates is crucial to avoid legal entanglements. resources like the office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) provide vital information on sanctioned individuals and entities.
- The Power of testimony: Whistleblowers and cooperating witnesses often play a critical role in uncovering complex financial schemes. Their testimonies can be instrumental in building cases against powerful individuals and organizations.
- Consequences of Association: The Kingpin Act demonstrates that even indirect business relationships with sanctioned individuals can lead to severe legal penalties. The music industry, with its global reach and significant financial flows, remains a potential area for illicit financial activities.
Did you know? the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) is considered one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations, known for its extensive operations in drug trafficking and extortion.
Pro Tip: For businesses involved in international transactions, staying updated on sanctions lists and consulting with legal experts specializing in financial crime compliance is essential to mitigate risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ángel Del Villar sentenced for?
Ángel Del Villar was sentenced for conducting business with a promoter accused of money laundering for a drug cartel, violating the Kingpin act.
What is the significance of the Kingpin Act in this case?
the Kingpin Act prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in commercial relationships with individuals or entities designated as drug traffickers, forming the basis of the charges against Del Villar.
Which artist’s career did Del Villar’s label, Del Records, notably promote?
Del Records produced the hit song ‘She Dances Alone,’ which significantly boosted the career of artist Peso Pluma.
Who was the key witness in the trial against Ángel Del Villar?
Singer Gerardo Ortiz testified as a key witness, detailing his interactions and concerns regarding business with the promoter linked to drug money.
What was the role of jesús Pérez Alvear, also known as ‘Chucho,’ in this case?
‘Chucho’ Pérez alvear was accused of laundering money for the CJNG and was a concert promoter with whom Del Villar continued to do business.
How did the FBI conduct its investigation into Del Villar’s dealings?
The FBI’s investigation involved analyzing employee emails, bank accounts, intercepted communications, and testimonies from individuals like Brian Gutiérrez, a former vice president at del Records.
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