Juan Carlos Minero Alonso, a Cuban-Mexican entrepreneur and the leading shareholder and director of the financial firm Black Wallstreet Capital (BWC), was apprehended once again on Tuesday, May 27, in Mexico City. He is accused of involvement in organized crime and money laundering. The arrest was carried out by members of the Federal Ministerial Police and the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC) of the Attorney General's Office (FGR), with assistance from the National Guard, as reported by local media.
Initial Hearing and Legal Proceedings
According to the National Register of Detentions, 35-year-old Minero Alonso was taken into custody at 10:55 a.m. in Mexico's capital and was transported to the Federal Social Readaptation Center No. 1, Altiplano, in Almoloya de Juárez, State of Mexico. During his initial court appearance, overseen by Judge Gregorio Salazar Hernández, preventive detention was ordered. The FGR charged him with the aforementioned crimes. Minero Alonso chose to reserve his right to testify and requested an extension of the constitutional term, which means his potential indictment will be determined next Monday.
Background of the Investigation: Serious Allegations
The probe into BWC began in February 2022 when a purported former member of Colombia's Norte del Valle cartel alleged that the financial house was a front for money laundering and was involved in drug and arms trafficking. The whistleblower claimed to have transported cocaine, methamphetamine, and weapons in vehicles owned by Alfredo Benavidez Garza, alias "El Blacs," some of which had fake diplomatic plates.
The witness also implicated Eduard Gil Dardo, known as "El Boliqueso," a supposed Colombian leader of an international drug trafficking network, and Juan Alberto Cardona García, alias "El Maiki," as responsible for drug transportation in aircraft with falsified registration. Mexican authorities conducted raids at various locations linked to the network, including a residence in Interlomas, State of Mexico, and an office in the Anzures neighborhood of Mexico City, where BWC operated. These operations led to the seizure of firearms, luxury vehicles with diplomatic plates, high-end watches, and incriminating documents.
International Drug Trafficking Network
A collaborative investigation by journalists from Aristegui Noticias, Mexicanos Contra la Corrupción y la Impunidad, Quinto Elemento Lab, Narcodiario, and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) uncovered that Minero Alonso's associates at BWC had been under scrutiny for years in Mexico, Colombia, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The operation involved shipping tons of cocaine and methamphetamine to Europe, concealed in concrete blocks through the ports of Barcelona and Amsterdam from 2011 to 2021. It is reported that the financial firm facilitated the laundering of 15 billion pesos generated from drug trafficking, according to journalists Lilia Saúl Rodríguez and Juan Omar Fierro.
2023 Raid and Scandal Over Missing Funds
On March 15, 2023, a raid on BWC's offices in the Anzures neighborhood by the Mexico City Attorney General's Office and the Secretary of Citizen Security resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including Minero Alonso. However, due to procedural irregularities and allegations of a 70 million peso cash theft, those detained were released, and eight public officials involved in the operation were arrested for alleged corruption.
The recent arrest of Juan Carlos Minero Alonso has drawn significant attention, not only because of his business profile but also due to the international ramifications of the financial and criminal network he allegedly operated within. The forthcoming hearing will be crucial in determining Minero Alonso's legal status, as a formal indictment could lead to a protracted legal battle.
Key Questions on the Arrest and Investigation
What charges is Juan Carlos Minero Alonso facing?
He is charged with participating in organized crime and money laundering activities.
Why was Black Wallstreet Capital under investigation?
BWC was investigated for allegedly being a front for money laundering and its involvement in drug and arms trafficking.
What was the outcome of the 2023 raid on BWC’s offices?
The raid led to the arrest of five individuals, including Minero Alonso, but they were later released due to procedural irregularities and theft allegations.
What is the significance of the recent arrest of Minero Alonso?
Minero Alonso's arrest is significant due to his business profile and the international scope of the alleged financial and criminal network.