A Colombian national has been sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison for his role in a money laundering conspiracy involving bribes. The court also ordered the forfeiture of luxury vehicles linked to the scheme, including a 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a 2017 Porsche Cayenne.
Omar Ambuila, aged 64 from Cali, Colombia, admitted guilt on January 28 to conspiring to launder money. Court documents reveal that during his tenure as a port official in Colombia, Ambuila accepted over $1 million in illegal bribes. These funds were then laundered into the United States with the help of co-conspirators. The illicit proceeds were used for personal gain, such as purchasing luxury cars and renting waterfront properties.
"Criminals who exploit our financial system to launder their illegal gains threaten the security of the United States," stated Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. He emphasized that those who misuse financial systems will be prosecuted thoroughly.
John Condon of Homeland Security Investigation Tampa commented on law enforcement's dedication: "HSI special agents...will always work diligently to pursue those individuals and those networks of bad actors who exploit the legitimate financial system."
Ron Loecker from IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office added, "Let this sentencing serve as a powerful reminder: the United States will not be a sanctuary for those seeking to launder the proceeds of crime."
The FBI's commitment was highlighted by Special Agent Matthew Fodor: "This investigation exemplifies...the unified effort in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting money laundering schemes."
The case involved collaboration between HSI, IRS-CI, and the FBI. Prosecutors included Trial Attorneys Ariana Lazzaroni and Adrienne Rosen along with Deputy Chief Joseph Palazzo from the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. Support came from various international offices including those in Bogotá.