NORFOLK, Va. — A Colombian businessman pleaded guilty Monday to participating in a seven-year conspiracy that converted drug-trafficking proceeds into consumer electronics shipped to Colombia, federal prosecutors said.
Andrelio Castaño Rojas, 55, admitted conspiring with others to launder illegal drug proceeds through a currency-exchange operation from January 2018 through March 2025, according to court records.
The scheme moved money through the legitimate banking system before transforming it into merchandise that could be exported and sold overseas.
Rojas opened U.S. bank accounts for two companies he controlled and arranged for the business accounts to receive drug proceeds through wire transfers and large cash deposits, prosecutors said.
He then used the money to purchase consumer electronics that were exported to Colombia.
Quick facts
- Defendant: Andrelio Castaño Rojas, 55, of Colombia
- Charge: Conspiracy to commit money laundering
- Duration of scheme: January 2018 through March 2025
- Source of money: Drug-trafficking proceeds
- Method: Bank wires, bulk cash deposits and business accounts
- Money converted into: Consumer electronics exported to Colombia
- Maximum sentence: 20 years in federal prison
- Sentencing date: Jan. 22, 2027
- Federal case number: 2:25-cr-21
- Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
A federal grand jury indictment previously accused Rojas of funneling millions of dollars in suspected drug proceeds through electronics businesses and other financial transactions. Undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agents infiltrated the money laundering organization during the investigation, according to court records reported by WPLG-TV in South Florida.
The DEA’s Norfolk and Miami offices investigated the case.
Rojas faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced Jan. 22. The maximum penalty is not a guaranteed sentence. A federal judge will determine the punishment after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.