U.S. Designates “La Araña” (The Spider), Jose Calderon Rijo, as a Significant Drug Trafficker and Money Launderer
WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the designation of Jose Calderon Rijo, also known as “La Araña” (The Spider), as a significant drug trafficker and money launderer on Tuesday, November 16. Calderon Rijo is based in the Dominican Republic and remains a major threat to the Caribbean region and the United States.
Calderon Rijo: “The Most Prolific Drug Trafficker in the Caribbean”
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson, commented on the action, stating that Calderon Rijo is:
- The leader of a Dominican Republic-based criminal organization engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, and public corruption.
- One of the most prolific drug traffickers in the Caribbean, with several drug trafficking routes leading into the United States.
- Responsible for importing significant quantities of drugs into the country, contributing to the tens of thousands of American deaths caused by overdoses annually.
Background of Calderon Rijos and Criminal Activities
Calderon Rijo, a Dominican Republic national, was arrested and charged with drug trafficking offenses in 2012 by Dominican Republic law enforcement. Despite serving a three-year prison sentence, he continued to oversee his criminal organization. In 2021, a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida returned an indictment charging Calderon Rijo with multiple drug trafficking offenses.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved in the Designation
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Field Division, the DEA Santo Domingo Country Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida provided crucial support and assistance for today’s designation.
Assets Blocked by the Designation
As a result of this designation, all property and interests in property of Calderon Rijo that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are now blocked. Any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, by 50 percent or more by the blocked person are also subject to these sanctions. OFAC regulations prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within the United States involving any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.
The Importance of OFAC Actions
OFAC’s actions are part of a whole-of-government effort to combat the trafficking of illicit drugs into the United States. The organization will continue to target and pursue accountability for foreign drug traffickers and money launderers.
Removal Procedures from OFAC Lists
The designation is not a mere punishment; rather, it aims to effect positive change in behavior. Individuals or organizations seeking removal from OFAC lists, including the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, can refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 for information on the process.
International Cooperation and Goals
The U.S. Department of the Treasury identified Calderon Rijo using information provided by international partners. The ultimate goal of such actions is to disrupt criminal networks and prevent the flow of illicit drugs into the United States, saving countless lives.