ICE returns prolific Colombian international money launderer

NEW YORK — A Colombian national convicted of money laundering was returned to his home country Monday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers.

Jhon Hincapie-Ramirez, 57, was escorted by ERO officers via an ICE Air Operations charter flight and turned over to Colombian law enforcement authorities. In February 2015, Hincapie-Ramirez was charged in U.S. federal court with conspiracy to launder money. He was extradited to the U.S. in 2016 to face the charges. On Dec.7, 2017, Hincapie-Ramirez was convicted federally of money laundering conspiracy, and sentenced to 33 months imprisonment. Hincapie-Ramirez was given credit for the 12 months he spent in Colombian custody prior to his apprehension. Additionally, Hincapie-Ramirez agreed to forfeit $3.5 million. He was transferred to ICE custody in early January 2018, while the agency finalized his return.

According to court records, Hincapie-Ramirez was alleged, between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014, to have been a member and a leader of the “Guangzhou Enterprise,” a global network of money launderers and drug trafficking organizations that spanned at least four continents and had tentacles in China, Colombia, the United States, Spain, Ecuador, Venezuela and other countries.

The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates the Guangzhou Enterprise was responsible for laundering more than $5 billion in narcotics proceeds.

“Returning individuals like Mr. Hincapie-Ramirez from the United States continues to be ICE’s highest enforcement priorities, which focuses resources first on convicted criminal aliens,” said Thomas Decker, field office director for ERO New York.