7 indicted in Louisville for money laundering millions in drug money to Mexico

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Seven people indicted for money laundering are accused of funneling millions of dollars to Mexico in a case involving drug trafficking, guns and a lot of cash.

It's what the Feds said happened inside three Louisville businesses that led to seven foreign nationals getting federally indicted for money laundering.

According to investigators, Jose Malagon Castro, 49, a citizen of Mexico, operates El Rey Market I on National Turnpike, El Rey Market II on Preston Highway and El Rey Market III on Dixie Highway.

Through those stores, the Feds said about $34.7 million was wire-transferred to several states in Mexico.

The IRS Criminal Investigation said it seized over half a million dollars found in a backpack in Castro's truck.

Authorities said Castro hired Honduras citizens Yeimi Hernandez Barahona, Kenia Hernandez Barahona, Kelin Hernandez Barahona and Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid from Guatemala to conduct wire transfers.

Documents show from 2020 to 2024, the wire transfers to Mexico were hundreds to thousands of dollars each.

Authorities said Mexican citizens Vanessa Avila Galaviz and Jose Martin Romero were narcotics traffickers, who then directed the wire transfers at the stores to send drug proceeds to Mexico.

The Special Agent in Charge of IRS C-I's Cincinnati Office, which covers Louisville, said “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to rooting out the money laundering schemes that serve as the lifeblood of drug trafficking organizations.”

"The alleged crimes in this indictment show the money path of millions of dollars from Kentucky to a transnational drug organization," she said. "Our job is to trace the money that funds the local illegal drug trade and make sure all responsible parties are held accountable."

While five of the suspects have been arrested, Kenia Hernandez Barahona and Vanessa Avila Galaviz are still on the run with warrants out for their arrest.

Castro was also charged for illegally possessing several guns and ammunition, which investigators said were seized by the ATF.

DEA, HSI, FBI, Louisville Metro Police, and the Jeffersontown Police Department also worked on the case.

The five who were arrested are expected in court next Tuesday, April 29.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America. The goal is to eliminate cartels and protect communities from the suspects of violent crime.

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