A former senior agent with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and an associate have been indicted on charges of conspiring to launder millions of dollars in drug money and obtain military-grade weaponry for a powerful Mexican cartel.
The Sting Operation and Charges
Paul Campo, 61, of Oakton, Virginia, and Robert Sensi, 75, of Boca Raton, Florida, were caught in a law enforcement sting, according to an indictment unsealed on Friday, 5th December 2025, in a New York City federal court. The pair allegedly believed they were dealing with a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US earlier this year. In reality, their contact was a confidential source working under the direction of officials.
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, stated that Campo had betrayed his career. "As alleged, Paul Campo and Robert Sensi conspired to assist CJNG, one of the most notorious Mexican cartels that is responsible for countless deaths through violence and drug trafficking," Clayton said.
Alleged Scheme: Cryptocurrency and Weapons Procurement
The indictment details that over the past year, the duo agreed to launder approximately $12 million in cartel drug proceeds. They allegedly converted about $750,000 in cash to cryptocurrency, believing the funds were going to the CJNG when they were actually seized by the government. They also provided payment for roughly 220 kilograms of cocaine, expecting a cut from its $5 million sale in the US.
Furthermore, authorities allege Campo and Sensi discussed procuring an arsenal for the cartel. This included commercial drones, AR-15 and M4 rifles, grenade launchers, and rocket-propelled grenades. Campo, who retired in 2016 after a 25-year career culminating as deputy chief of financial operations, reportedly boasted of his experience and offered to act as a "strategist" for the cartel.
Court Appearances and Wider DEA Scrutiny
Both men pleaded not guilty during appearances in Manhattan federal court on Friday afternoon. Assistant US Attorney Varun Gumaste argued the evidence, including hours of recordings, was "quite egregious and concerning." He revealed Sensi was separately involved in a scheme to procure military helicopters for a Middle Eastern country and has prior fraud convictions.
Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger described the charges as "quite alarming." Both defendants were ordered detained without bail, with hearings set for 19th December.
This case adds to a series of misconduct incidents that have roiled the DEA. The Associated Press has tallied at least 16 agents charged federally in the past decade for offences ranging from drug trafficking to leaking intelligence. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole acknowledged the allegations undermine trust in law enforcement, noting the agency has recently tightened controls on misconduct.
