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Former DEA Agent Charged with Money Laundering, Weapons Plot for Mexican Cartel
Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging a former high-ranking Drug Enforcement Administration agent and his associate with conspiring to launder millions of dollars and procure military-grade weapons for one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations.
Paul Campo, 61, of Oakton, Virginia, who retired in 2016 after a 25-year career with the DEA, and Robert Sensi, 75, of Boca Raton, Florida, were arrested following a sophisticated sting operation. According to the indictment, the pair believed they were working with members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year.
The two men appeared before a federal magistrate judge in New York on Friday, where they were ordered detained without bail after entering not guilty pleas through their attorneys.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the gravity of the allegations, stating that Campo had betrayed his long DEA career by aiding a criminal organization “responsible for countless deaths through violence and drug trafficking in the United States and Mexico.”
According to prosecutors, over the past year, Campo and Sensi agreed to launder approximately $12 million in drug proceeds for the cartel. They allegedly converted about $750,000 in cash to cryptocurrency, believing the funds would benefit the cartel when they were actually transferred to the U.S. government. The indictment further alleges that the defendants provided payment for approximately 220 kilograms of cocaine they believed would be sold in the United States for about $5 million, expecting to receive a percentage of the profits.
The investigation revealed that the men offered to explore procuring an arsenal of weapons for the cartel, including commercial drones, AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, M4 carbines, grenade launchers, and rocket-propelled grenades.
Campo, who began his DEA career in New York and eventually rose to become deputy chief of financial operations, reportedly boasted about his extensive law enforcement experience during conversations with an informant posing as a cartel member. Prosecutors say he offered to serve as a “strategist” for the criminal organization, leveraging his insider knowledge of law enforcement tactics and operations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Varun Gumaste told the court that evidence in the case includes hours of recorded conversations between the defendants and the informant, as well as cell phone location data, emails, and surveillance images.
Campo’s attorney, Mark Gombiner, disputed the charges, describing the indictment as “somewhat sensationalized and somewhat incoherent.” He specifically denied that the men had agreed to explore obtaining weapons for the cartel.
Amanda Kramer, representing Sensi, unsuccessfully argued for her client’s release pending trial, citing multiple health issues including injuries from a recent fall, early-stage dementia, and Type II diabetes. Prosecutors countered by noting Sensi’s prior criminal history, including convictions in the late 1980s and early 1990s for mail fraud, defrauding the government, and stealing $2.5 million. They also alleged evidence of Sensi’s involvement in a scheme to procure military-grade helicopters for an unspecified Middle Eastern country.
The case adds to a troubling pattern of misconduct within the DEA in recent years. According to Associated Press reporting, at least 16 DEA agents over the past decade have faced federal charges ranging from child pornography and drug trafficking to leaking intelligence to defense attorneys and selling firearms to cartel associates, exposing significant supervisory failures within the agency.
In response to these scandals, the DEA implemented new controls beginning in 2021 on how agency funds can be used in money laundering operations. The agency also warned agents they could face termination for a first serious offense, a departure from previous administrative practices.
DEA Administrator Terrance Cole acknowledged in a statement that although Campo no longer works for the agency, the allegations undermine public trust in law enforcement.
Campo and Sensi are facing four conspiracy counts related to narcoterrorism, terrorism, narcotics distribution, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face decades in federal prison.
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12 Comments
This is a sobering reminder that the war on drugs is far from over. Even with all the resources of the DEA, cartels can still find ways to corrupt officials and undermine the system. Clearly, new approaches are needed to combat this threat more effectively.
I agree, the traditional law enforcement methods don’t seem sufficient anymore. Policymakers need to think creatively about how to disrupt the cartels’ financial networks and supply chains in new ways.
I’m curious to know more about the sting operation that led to these arrests. Were there signs this agent was compromised, or did the cartel simply find a way to exploit his knowledge and connections? Either way, it’s a major intelligence failure that needs to be addressed.
Good point. The authorities will likely want to do a thorough review of this case to identify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that allowed this to happen, in order to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Disturbing to see the level of sophistication and reach of these criminal organizations. They seem to have the resources and connections to infiltrate even the highest levels of law enforcement. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering.
Absolutely. As long as there is such immense profit to be made, these cartels will continue to find ways to circumvent the system. Combating their influence requires a multifaceted, long-term strategy.
The scale of the money laundering and weapons procurement is deeply concerning. This cartel clearly has significant resources and influence that enabled them to co-opt a former senior federal agent. Dismantling their network should be a top priority.
You’re right, this highlights how powerful and dangerous these cartels have become. Rooting out corruption at all levels is crucial to disrupting their operations.
This is a shocking abuse of power and public trust. A former DEA agent using his expertise to help a violent cartel is appalling. Strict punishment is warranted to send a strong message that such betrayal will not be tolerated.
Absolutely, the authorities need to throw the book at these individuals. Betraying your oath to uphold the law for personal gain is despicable.
This case underscores the importance of robust internal controls and oversight within government agencies like the DEA. Clearly, there were vulnerabilities that allowed a senior agent to betray his duty. Improving transparency and accountability should be a top priority.
Good point. The authorities will need to do a thorough review to identify any systemic issues that enabled this breach of trust. Strengthening vetting procedures and integrity safeguards should be a key focus going forward.