A scandal involving a retired United States federal agent has taken an unexpected turn, after prosecutors in Manhattan revealed allegations that a man once tasked with policing financial crime wound up using the same skills to advance it.
According to newly unsealed court filings, the individual — once responsible for steering the DEA’s financial intelligence programs — is said to have crossed the line from enforcement to participation, engaging in a money-moving arrangement that relied on cryptocurrency, covert meetings and criminal deception.
Key Takeaways
Prosecutors say a former DEA financial chief helped launder funds through crypto channels.
The alleged scheme involved cocaine payments, laundering plans and weapons discussions.
Authorities claim he exploited his law enforcement background to build credibility.
The accused, identified as Paul Campo, built much of his career within the Drug Enforcement Administration before leaving government service nearly a decade ago for private consulting work. His background, federal experience and reputation for financial expertise reportedly became his calling card, prosecutors say — but not in the way one would expect.
Investigators claim Campo aligned himself with a longtime associate, Robert Sensi. Their interactions eventually brought them into contact with a supposed emissary of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel — a group feared for its role in narcotics trafficking and violence across North America. What Campo and Sensi didn’t know, according to the indictment, was that the cartel representative was actually a confidential informant working with U.S. authorities.
Crypto, Cocaine and Conversations About Firepower
As described in the filings, Campo and Sensi allegedly mapped out ways to turn illicit funds into apparently legitimate wealth. One route reportedly involved converting cash into digital assets before flowing it into real estate deals. Another facet included arranging payments for cocaine shipments — prosecutors say conversations referenced 220 kilograms — and discussing more ambitious ventures such as drone-based explosive attacks and weapons procurement ranging from rifles to grenade launchers.
Authorities assert that Campo not only lent operational expertise, but used his DEA résumé to convince the informant that he still had access, insight and industry knowledge worth exploiting.
Far-Reaching Charges
While prosecutors allege the total laundering agreement was much larger, roughly three-quarters of a million dollars is said to have been successfully washed through cryptocurrency channels. Campo now faces accusations that span organized crime support, narcotics conspiracy, narco-terrorism and money laundering.
Federal officials described the case as a stark breach of duty, emphasizing that public trust rests not only on current service but on conduct that follows it. Senior DEA leadership issued unusually sharp language, calling the indictment a warning that former agents abusing insider knowledge for criminal gain will meet “the fullest consequences the law provides.”
The court case remains active, with additional disclosures expected as trial proceedings unfold.
