The activities of the Black Jack cryptocurrency laundering network have been stopped. How it happened

In a major international operation, Colombian police, with the support of law enforcement agencies in Spain, Europe, and the United States, uncovered and dismantled a complex money laundering network called “Black Jack.” This group used cryptocurrency to hide proceeds from criminal activity. The blow was dealt to one of the most influential criminal organizations in the world — the Clan del Golfo. GetBlock AML Research publishes details of the operation against the Black Jack network.

As a result of the investigation, key members of the network in Spain and Colombia were arrested. Property worth approximately $13,5 million was confiscated: 25 houses, nine companies, and 15 cars.

From cash to cryptocurrency: how the criminal scheme changed

The Black Jack network initially laundered money obtained from cocaine trafficking in Europe through an old system of informal transfers called hawala. The criminals used an unusual method: they cut a banknote in half and checked its serial number to confirm the transfer without involving banks.

However, when the authorities began to crack down on cash transactions, the group changed its approach. At the end of 2020, Black Jack began using cryptocurrency to transfer millions of dollars across borders without risking physical money.

To cover its tracks, the organization created a network of front companies and online services in Spain, Lithuania, the United States, and Colombia. Using encrypted messengers, members coordinated their actions and managed money around the world.

How the digital trail was uncovered

The criminals believed that cryptocurrency would give them complete anonymity. But they were wrong. Every transaction on the blockchain is recorded permanently, which allowed investigators to trace the money trail.

Using modern analysis methods, the authorities were able to:

• trace the path of illegal funds from drug sales points to their final recipients;
• establish the identities of the organizers and link them to specific transactions;
• identify the network of companies and online services through which the transfers passed.

Based on the digital evidence collected, international arrest warrants were issued. In Spain, the alleged leader of the network, Pablo Felipe Moriones (nicknamed “Black Jack”), his brother Santiago Prada Moriones (“Marco”), and Carlos Ariel Zuluaga Lemo (“Cejas”) were arrested. In Colombia, Jimmy García Solarte (aka “El Transporter”), who received the money, and Brenda Yineth Pineda Bedoya (“La Contadora”), who was responsible for the shell companies, were arrested.

Technology and cooperation against crime

This operation showed that modern technology and cooperation between countries can dismantle even the most complex criminal schemes. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Colombian police and international partners, it was possible to:

• stop a network that used cryptocurrency for money laundering;
• prevent the transfer of millions of dollars obtained from drug trafficking;
• demonstrate how digital analysis helps find criminals;
• strengthen international cooperation in the fight against financial crime.

This operation is an example of how modern technology and joint efforts by law enforcement agencies can effectively combat crime in the digital age