The Fall of Juan Ramón Collado: From Legal Elite to Money Laundering Convict

Juan Ramón Collado, a prominent lawyer who has represented influential Mexicans, including former president Enrique Peña Nieto, has had over 100 million euros seized in Andorra since 2015. Investigations reveal a complex network of accounts with branches in Holland, Panama, and Hong Kong that were used to conceal his fortune.

Collado’s complicated scheme involved using Banca Privada d’Andorra and Crèdit Andorrà to move his funds. It is believed that the money may have belonged to Mexican political leaders. The lawyer had at least two accounts in Andorra with nearly 19 million euros in 2023, managing the rest through Dutch companies to shield his identity.

The investigation also targeted Collado’s associates, including Jaime Jesús Sánchez Montemayor, who managed the financial aspects of Collado’s operations. The Andorran justice system identified several other suspects who were involved in the money laundering scheme.

Collado’s lawyer in Andorra maintains that his client’s assets are legitimate and plans to challenge the money laundering investigation. However, suspicions of additional companies being used in the money laundering scheme remain high as investigations continue into Collado’s family members and associates.

In 2018, Collado’s fortune suffered setbacks when he was arrested in Mexico City for money laundering charges. The case was reopened after he was extradited back to Mexico where he is currently facing charges for extravagant expenses and luxury property acquisitions. Judicial proceedings have also implicated him in several other money laundering cases.

Despite representing some of Mexico’s most powerful individuals and having a reputation as one of the country’s top lawyers, Collado’s legal troubles have damaged his image both domestically and internationally. The ongoing investigations highlight the intricate nature of financial operations that can be used to launder large sums of money while maintaining a facade of legitimacy.

Overall, Juan Ramón Collado’s story serves as a stark reminder that even those with significant influence can fall victim to their own greed and ambition when it comes to illegal activities like money laundering.