Thread: Money Launderer for Zetas Arrested

Alleged Money Launderer for Zetas Arrested

Posted: Feb 9, 2012 6:03 PM
Updated: Feb 9, 2012 9:50 PM

An alleged money launderer for the Zetas is in custody.

The DEA arrested Antonio Pena Arguelles on Wednesday night. He lives in San Antonio. He allegedly worked in the Valley collecting drug money for the Zetas.

One of his former employees helped the DEA make the arrest. He figured jail was the safest place for his boss.

DEA agents say Arguelles helped collect and launder millions of dollars in drug money on this side of the border. The extensive laundering operation is allegedly tied to the Valley.

A criminal complaint filed by the DEA shows the money trail running up and down the Valley from Brownsville through Roma to Laredo.

Four confidential informants, including former employers and associates, are cited in the complaint. Those informants say Arguelles needs to worry about the Zetas more than the DEA.

They claim Arguelles and his brother stole $5 million from the powerful drug cartel. Arguelles' brother was killed in Nuevo Laredo last November. A narco banner hung over his body called out Antonio for stealing their money and hiding in the United States.

The complaint also highlights text messages sent to Arguelles from Miguel Trevino Morales, a Zeta leader and DEA fugitive.

The text messages read

"It's best you pay the money that you owe."

"All right, don't pay, however let's see where you hide because you well know you are not going to have a place to hide."

"There will not be a safe place for you, Mr. Tono, so good luck."

An informant gave information to the DEA leading to his arrest. He told agents he wanted his boss arrested to protect him from the Zetas trying to kill him.

Alleged Money Launderer for Zetas Arrested | KRGV.com | CHANNEL 5 NEWS | Breaking News Breaking Stories

A narco banner hung over his body called out Antonio for stealing their money and hiding in the United States.

"All right, don't pay, however let's see where you hide because you well know you are not going to have a place to hide."

There is no spill over violence - ask Janet.