Angel del Villar, a prominent music producer and founder of the Del Records label, has been found guilty in federal court in Los Angeles, California, of conducting illicit business with individuals linked to organized crime, specifically with the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG) and its financial arm, Los Cuinis.
This verdict could carry a penalty of up to 30 years in prison, in addition to facing 10 additional charges related to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, known as the Kingpin Act.
Why is he being found guilty?
The investigation revealed that Del Villar, through his company Del Entertainment, conducted financial transactions with Jesús “Chucho” Pérez Alvear, a music promoter flagged by the US Treasury Department since 2018 for allegedly laundering money for the CJNG.
Despite warnings from the authorities, Del Villar continued to collaborate with Pérez Alvear, facilitating the organization of concerts and events that, according to the prosecution, were used to launder drug trafficking proceeds.
Angel del Villar had a years-long relationship with Chiquis, Jenni Rivera’s daughter, who at the time he said was ‘the love of his life’.
Singer Gerardo Ortiz was a key witness
A key testimony in the trial was that of regional Mexican singer Gerardo Ortiz, who admitted having participated in multiple concerts organized by Perez Alvear.
Ortiz confessed that, although he was warned by the FBI in 2018 about Pérez Alvear’s illicit activities, he continued to work with him under Del Villar’s direction. This cooperation with the authorities was determinant for the conviction against the producer.
The Del Records label also faces legal consequences.
He has been placed on probation for five years and fined $10 million for his involvement in these illicit activities.
In addition, Luca Scalisi, Del Entertainment’s chief financial officer, will be tried separately in July 2025 on similar charges.
El ex de Chiquis Rivera se mostró tranquilo luego de ser declarado culpable y ahora recibirá su sentencia el próximo mes de agosto
Defense of Ángel del Villar
Del Villar’s defense has announced its intention to appeal the conviction, arguing that its client did not have full knowledge of Pérez Alvear’s illicit activities and that he acted under the presumption of legality in his business dealings.
However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including records of communications and financial transactions, evidencing the conscious and ongoing relationship between Del Villar and the drug trafficker-linked promoter.
This case highlights the increasing vigilance of U.S. authorities over the entertainment industry and its possible infiltration by criminal organizations.
The war on drugs
Buzzy
The Kingpin Act allows the U.S. government to sanction individuals and entities that engage in transactions with designated drug traffickers, thereby dismantling the financial networks that support these illicit activities.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, this event highlights the importance of integrity and diligence in business relationships within the music industry.
Collaboration with individuals or entities under suspicion or sanction not only puts reputation and career at risk, but can also lead to severe legal consequences.
This case serves as a reminder of the need to perform due diligence and maintain high ethical standards in all business operations.
Find out more at QuéOnnda.com.
