FBI investigates possible links with Mexico drug gang

[spindrifter]

Ed Vulliamy and Paul Harris in New York The Observer, Sunday

The FBI is probing possible money laundering linked to Mexico's infamous narco-trafficking Gulf Cartel in its investigation of Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford, US law enforcement sources have told the Observer.

An FBI source close to the investigation would not give exact details but confirmed the agency was looking at links to international drug gangs as part of the huge investigation into Stanford's banking activities. Reports in the US have said Mexican authorities have detained one of Stanford's private planes as part of an investigation into possible links to the Gulf Cartel. It has been alleged cheques found inside the plane were linked to the cartel, which is one of the most violent criminal organisations in the world.

Sources in the US Drug Enforcement Administration also confirmed that while the investigations into Stanford's affairs were "with the FBI and Securities Exchange Commission, there may well have been a trail connecting his Mexican affairs to narco-trafficking interests. So far as we understand from information partially in the public domain, this has pertained to the Gulf Cartel, and items found aboard a private light aircraft. I think we'll find that any possible drug-related trail and SEC priorities are not all in the same frame."

Asked whether the aircraft seizures were an isolated incident in the overall investigation, the official said: "It's not going to be as if they would check every plane. Any connections to the narcos would have been followed for some time, and US law enforcement has been working with Mexico's banking regulators on a vast range of investigations, including Stanford's interests, for some time.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/22/allen-stanford-drugs-trade-mexico

[lib2DaBone]

1. ..YA THINK?

[Arctic Dave]

2. This guy is a prime exaple of why the "drug war" is a joke.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this guy was just another player in the billion dollar drug business who made a lot of people money. Only now say something about him being involved in drugs after he is busted on another scam.

People need to realize that the drug cartels are not the guys on street corners but are the ones on their own private islands.

[peacetalksforall]

3. Is it time to ask about the two aircraft that went down inside Mexico

within the last year or so? Big drug cargo. Talk of tracing the registration? Did it go anywhere near this guy?

[spindrifter]

4. NYT had a timeline showing DEA review of Stanford back

in 1997-2000--and he "volunarily" gave the agency over $3 mil. when they found drug lord money laundered in his bank. He has been investigated by a lot of agencies over the past 12 years or so--a guy who started out in the body-building business.

[malaise]

5. Call me when this finally reaches the head of the

two streams.