Case Study
Colombia
Associated commodity
Associated commodity
Associated crime
Source
Contraband meat linked to money laundering seized on Colombia's borders

In May 2013, InSight Crime reported that Colombian authorities seized 11 tons of contraband meat in Cucuta, near the Venezuelan border. These contraband goods were linked to money laundering operations by guerrilla and drug trafficking groups. The contraband meat, originating from Venezuela, was packed in a truck and discovered in Cucuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia. The meat was estimated to come from about 600 cows. Authorities believe these groups use the meat trade to launder drug money and generate revenues to purchase coca, a key ingredient in cocaine production. The process involves buying meat in Venezuela at black market prices and selling it in Colombia, taking advantage of the significant difference between the official and black market exchange rates of the Venezuelan bolivar. By purchasing meat cheaply on the black market in Venezuela and selling it at higher prices in Colombia, the groups maximise their profits. The FARC along with neo-paramilitary groups like the Urabeos and Rastrojos, are implicated. These groups are heavily involved in drug trafficking and use various methods, including contraband trade, to launder their illicit earnings.

Keywords
Cattle, Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, Cocaine, Guerilla, Contraband Trade, Price Disparity Exploitation, Columbia, Venezuela