Colombian Model Pleads Guilty to Leading Drug Money Laundering Ring

Valentina Forero Álvarez directed a network of couriers to launder over $31 million in drug proceeds through the U.S. banking system.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Valentina Forero Álvarez, a 33-year-old Colombian model, has pleaded guilty to leading a multi-state criminal organization that used the U.S. financial system to launder more than $31 million in drug trafficking proceeds. Forero Álvarez directed a network of couriers who traveled to Colombia to collect bulk cash and deposit it into bank accounts held by shell companies or unregulated currency exchange businesses across the U.S.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating international money laundering schemes that exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial system to conceal the origins of illicit funds. It also underscores the role that high-profile individuals can play in facilitating large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering operations.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Forero Álvarez instructed non-U.S. citizens, mainly Colombian nationals, to travel to the U.S. on visitor visas, collect bulk cash from drug sales, and deposit the money into bank accounts held by shell companies or unregulated currency exchange businesses. The couriers made deposits in at least 15 U.S. states, with over $2.9 million deposited in the Northern District of Georgia alone. Authorities were able to seize more than $4.8 million in suspected drug money.

  • Forero Álvarez was detained in Colombia in November 2023 and extradited to the U.S. in May 2025.
  • In January, Colombian prosecutors seized three vehicles and three commercial establishments registered to Forero Álvarez's front companies, relatives, and associates.

The players

Valentina Forero Álvarez

A 33-year-old Colombian model who pleaded guilty to leading a multi-state criminal organization that laundered over $31 million in drug trafficking proceeds through the U.S. financial system.

Theodore S. Hertzberg

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, who stated that Forero Álvarez "presided over an international network that exploited our financial system to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds."

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What they’re saying

“Narco-terrorists and their associates who believe they can hide their crimes through complex laundering schemes or residency abroad will be found, brought to the United States, prosecuted, and held accountable.”

— Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia

What’s next

U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg is set to sentence Forero Álvarez at a later date.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating international money laundering schemes that exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial system. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to disrupt these complex criminal networks and hold the masterminds behind them accountable.