How money laundering for the cartels actually works, according to a former undercover agent
Robert Mazur is a former government agent who investigated drug-money laundering for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service intelligence division, and the Customs Service.
While deep undercover in hot spots such as Florida, Colombia, and Panama, Mazur successfully infiltrated criminal rings and cartels, including Pablo Escobar's, by posing as a wealthy, mob-connected businessman. He helped manage the illicit fortunes of the Medellín and Cali cartels while gathering evidence that would lead to some of the largest money-laundering prosecutions in history.
He speaks with Insider about how the cartels layer their assets and move money via "Smurfs." He also discusses how the cartels use legitimate businesses such as jewelry chains and mortgage-brokerage companies.
Mazur is the author of "The Infiltrator," which became a New York Times bestseller and inspired a 2016 film of the same title, starring Bryan Cranston (as Mazur) and John Leguizamo. Cranston is set to play Mazur again in the sequel, which is in development and based on Mazur's second memoir, "The Betrayal."
Today, Mazur speaks and consults around the world through his company, KYC Solutions. For more information about Mazur's speaking, expert witness, and consulting services, visit:
https://www.robertmazur.com/
Read his latest memoir, "The Betrayal," about his second undercover operation on the inside of the Cali cartel:
https://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Story-Brush-Narcos-Launderers-ebook/dp/B095BKWD8L
Read his first memoir, "The Infiltrator," about his time investigating the Medellín cartel:
https://www.amazon.com/Infiltrator-Against-Biggest-Cartel-History/dp/0316077526