DOJ: Illegal Alien from Mexico and Utah Business Owner Admits to Laundering Over $17M in Drug Proceeds, an HSTF Investigation

• The money laundering involved wire transfers and cash deposits linked to controlled substance sales.
• The Homeland Security Task Force led the investigation, with sentencing scheduled for December 14, 2026.

Georgina Espinoza-Grajeda, a former Salt Lake County business owner, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments after admitting to laundering over $17,000,000 in drug proceeds. She operated Multiservicios Lokos, LLC, which served as the Money Service Business side of Antojitos Lokos.

Espinoza-Grajeda and her co-conspirators conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, receiving cash from drug sales and sending wire transfers. The case was investigated by multiple agencies under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159.

• $17,000,000 Total drug proceeds laundered
• 24 Defendants in related operation
• 43 Age of Espinoza-Grajeda

• Review all transactions involving Multiservicios Lokos, LLC and Antojitos Lokos for patterns matching the described laundering typology.
• Screen for wire transfers and cash deposits linked to controlled substance sales as highlighted in the DOJ case.
• Update risk assessments to include entities and typologies identified by the Homeland Security Task Force under Executive Order 14159.

This case highlights the risks posed by Money Service Businesses used to launder large sums from drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for robust transaction monitoring and interagency collaboration. Compliance officers must be vigilant for typologies involving cash deposits and wire transfers tied to controlled substances, especially when linked to businesses flagged by law enforcement. The Homeland Security Task Force’s focus on transnational criminal organizations and its use of Executive Order 14159 signals increased scrutiny and enforcement, making it crucial for compliance programs to adapt and respond to evolving threats.