The CEO of Del Records, a prominent Latin music company, and its associated talent agency were found guilty by a Los Angeles jury of conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions. The case was focused on their business dealings with a concert promoter linked to Mexican drug cartels.
José Ángel Del Villar, CEO of Del Records and Del Entertainment Inc., was convicted on 11 counts relating to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, which prohibits U.S. business activities with designated drug traffickers. Del Entertainment faced similar convictions.
Evidence from a nine-day trial revealed that in April 2018, the defendants collaborated with the Guadalajara-based Jesús Pérez Alvear, also known as “Chucho.” Pérez was a known promoter for Gallistica Diamante, or Ticket Premier. Despite warnings, Del Villar and his company maintained business arrangements with Pérez, who was officially labeled a "specially designated narcotics trafficker" by the U.S. Treasury Department on April 6, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally highlighted the serious impact of cartels and their operations on the U.S., stating, “The defendants here chose to get into business with an individual they knew had ties to the CJNG and had been designated a narcotics trafficker under the Kingpin Act.”
Assistant Director Akil Davis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office emphasized that engaging with sanctioned individuals has significant legal repercussions. “Today’s guilty verdict sends a message...will not be tolerated by the FBI, nor our partners at the IRS and the United States Attorney’s Office,” Davis stated.
Del Villar’s sentencing is set for August 15, where he faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison per count. Del Entertainment may receive five years probation and a $10 million fine for each count.
Another co-defendant, Luca Scalisi, will stand trial in July 2025, maintaining a plea of not guilty. Pérez, who admitted guilt to conspiracy charges, was killed in Mexico in December 2024.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation spearheaded this case, with help from the Treasury Department. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Balding, Schwab, and Seiden, with assistance from the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to dismantle cartel and criminal organizations impacting the U.S. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) played a crucial role in the investigation. More details about OCDETF are available at the Department of Justice's website.