Title: Vice President Ortiz’s Links to Money Laundering Allegations against “Chepe Diablo”

Vice President Ortiz Implicated in Money Laundering Case

The Vice President of El Salvador, Óscar Ortiz, has found himself in a scrutinized position due to his links to money laundering allegations against José Adán Salazar Umaña, alias “Chepe Diablo.”

Desarrollos Montecristo S.A. of C.V.: A Shell Company for Money Laundering?

The Attorney General’s Office has claimed that Ortiz’s company, Desarrollos Montecristo S.A. of C.V., was used for money laundering activities. Ortiz, being a shareholder, is a central figure in this allegation.

Questionable Real Estate Transactions

According to court records, Ortiz and Chepe Diablo were partners in Desarrollos Montecristo, and the company was used for some questionable real estate transactions. The Attorney General’s Office describes this company as a “shell” company with no normal operations or income.

Irregular Land Transactions

Ortiz’s involvement in the buying and selling of land on Montecristo Island in an irregular manner, as per documented evidence, led to the transfer of land from the company to Ortiz himself at seemingly suspicious prices.

Ortiz’s Personal Involvement

Ortiz not only co-founded but also personally engaged in the irregular transactions, buying and selling the same land multiple times and losing money with each transaction.

The Attorney General’s Findings

The Attorney General’s Office considers these transactions to be “highly indicative of money laundering activities and assets.”

Chepe Diablo’s Criminal Organization

The investigation against Chepe Diablo’s criminal organization spans over the past three years, involving several key individuals and companies, including those associated with Ortiz.

Key People Involved

Eight individuals have been identified as part of the organization, including Juan Umaña Samayoa, the mayor of Metapán, and his son, who are now fugitives.

Companies Involved

Agroindustrias Gumarsal, a company managed by Chepe Diablo’s partner, was the most active company involved, with approximately $170 million being laundered. Hotesa, S.A. of C.V., the company that managed hotels for Chepe Diablo, followed with $6 million.

Previous Allegations Against Chepe Diablo

Before Chepe Diablo’s arrest, he was known as the founder of the Texis Cartel, a criminal organization responsible for drug trafficking and money laundering in northwestern El Salvador. He was identified as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker by the US government in 2014.

The Arrest and Removal from OFAC Kingpin List

Chepe Diablo was unexpectedly arrested on April 4 on money laundering charges, but an unexpected removal from the OFAC Kingpin List on April 8 raised many questions.

The Investigation against Chepe Diablo and His Associates

Despite Chepe Diablo’s arrest, the Attorney General’s Office is still prosecuting him along with his daughter, wife, and ex-wife of his partner.

Discussion about Ortiz’s Involvement

The connections between Ortiz and Chepe Diablo have raised questions about why the Vice President isn’t being investigated. Prosecutors have remained tight-lipped about their plans regarding Ortiz, but discussions about his possible involvement in the money laundering scheme have started.

Conclusion

The Attorney General’s Office maintains that if evidence arises, Ortiz will be required to answer for his actions. The investigation against Chepe Diablo’s organization and its associates is ongoing.