In a landmark international operation, the Policía Nacional de Colombia (PNC), in coordination with the Spanish Civil Guard, Europol, and U.S. federal agencies, has successfully dismantled a sophisticated, crypto-based money laundering network known as “Black Jack.” This operation strikes a significant financial blow against the Clan del Golfo, one of the most powerful transnational criminal organizations in the world.
The investigation culminated in the arrests of key operatives across Spain and Colombia and the seizure of assets valued at an estimated $13.5 million, including 25 properties, nine companies, and 15 vehicles.
We’re proud to have supported the Policía Nacional de Colombia with our blockchain analytics platform, enabling investigators to trace complex cryptocurrency transactions and uncover the digital money trails that traditional methods couldn’t detect. This collaboration exemplifies how public-private partnerships can effectively combat modern financial crimes.
From Hawala to crypto: The evolution of a criminal enterprise
The “Black Jack” network’s pivot from cash to crypto isn’t an isolated event; it’s a prime example of a global trend. As we detailed in the 2025 Crypto Crime Report, alongside growing adoption, crypto is now involved in a range of illicit activities, spanning drug smuggling, human trafficking, intellectual property theft, and even violent home invasions. Traditional crime groups that once relied on cash increasingly turn to crypto in an attempt to obscure proceeds, facilitate payments, and evade detection.
This is precisely the evolution that investigators observed in this case. Initially, the group, allegedly led by Pablo Felipe Prada Moriones, laundered proceeds from European cocaine trafficking using the traditional Hawala system. They used a method involving a split banknote with a matching serial number — a low-tech but effective way to avoid formal financial systems.
However, facing increasing law enforcement pressure on cash-based laundering, the network made its move. In late 2020, “Black Jack” began shifting its operations onto the blockchain to move millions across borders without the physical risk of handling large sums of cash.
The organization established a global web of front companies and virtual asset service providers in countries like Spain, Lithuania, the United States, and Colombia to obscure the flow of funds from drug sales in Europe and the Americas. Communicating through encrypted messaging platforms, the network’s leaders coordinated their illicit activities on a truly global scale.
Unraveling the digital trail
The criminals believed the blockchain would provide a shield of anonymity; they were wrong. The immutable and public nature of the blockchain provided investigators with a digital breadcrumb trail. By applying advanced blockchain analysis techniques, authorities were able to do the following:
- Trace the flow of illicit funds from drug trafficking hotspots to the network’s laundering infrastructure
- De-anonymize transactions and link them to the real-world identities of the network’s leaders, including “Black Jack” himself
- Identify the network’s global footprint, mapping out front companies and complicit virtual asset services across multiple continents
This digital evidence was instrumental in securing Interpol Red Notices for the primary targets and coordinating the series of takedowns. In Spain, authorities arrested Pablo Felipe Prada Moriones (“Black Jack”), his brother Santiago Prada Moriones (“Marco”), and Carlos Ariel Zuluaga Lema (“Cejas”). Simultaneously in Colombia, the PNC apprehended Jimmy García Solarte (“El Transporter”), responsible for receiving funds, and Brenda Yineth Pineda Bedoya (“La Contadora”), who managed the front companies.
How partnership and technology dismantled a global crime ring
This operation is a testament to the dedication, skill, and forward-thinking approach of the Policía Nacional de Colombia. We formally congratulate them on this monumental achievement. Through collaboration with global law enforcement agencies, and the use of Chainalysis Reactor, Policía Nacional de Colombia were able to:
- disrupt a sophisticated crypto-based money laundering scheme;
- intercept millions in illicit funds from European cocaine trafficking;
- demonstrate the power of advanced blockchain investigation techniques;
- and strengthen international cooperation in fighting financial crime.
This success sets a new standard for transnational investigations and demonstrates the undeniable power of on-chain analysis in bringing criminals to justice.
The future of fighting financial crime
The “Black Jack” case is a clear signal to criminal organizations around the world: the blockchain is not a lawless haven. With the right tools and expertise, law enforcement can turn a criminal’s chosen tool against them, creating a transparent record of their crimes.
The success of the Policía Nacional de Colombia and its international partners sends a powerful message of deterrence and demonstrates a shared global commitment to building a safer financial ecosystem for everyone.
At Chainalysis, we are proud to contribute to this mission and remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering law enforcement partners worldwide in their fight against organized crime.
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