Alvaro Pulido Vargas Due in US Court Today in Money-Laundering Cases Linked to Antigua
One indictment alleges transfers of approximately US$3.13 million from accounts in Antigua and Barbuda to South Florida.
Colombian businessman Alvaro Pulido Vargas is scheduled to appear in a federal court in Florida today, Tuesday, October 13, following his arrest on US money-laundering charges involving alleged Venezuelan bribery schemes.
One of the cases includes allegations that bank accounts in Antigua and Barbuda were used to transfer millions of dollars to South Florida.
According to the US Justice Department, the 62-year-old faces separate indictments issued in 2019 and 2021.
The Antigua and Barbuda connection appears in the 2021 case, which concerns contracts to supply food and medicine to Venezuela. Prosecutors allege that the contracts were secured through bribes and that prices were inflated to enrich those involved.
The indictment identifies two transfers, approximately US$2.5 million and US$630,000, from accounts in Antigua and Barbuda to an account in South Florida. Together, the transactions amounted to approximately US$3.13 million.
The transaction entries do not identify the originating banks in Antigua and Barbuda.
The separate 2019 indictment alleges that Pulido Vargas and Alex Saab used fraudulent import documents and bribed officials to obtain payments through Venezuela’s government-controlled currency exchange system.
Today’s scheduled appearance comes as Pulido Vargas faces the allegations before the US courts. The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/13/alvaro-pulido-vargas-due-in-us-court-today-in-money-laundering-cases-linked-to-antigua. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Top News
View section
Uroy Joseph Sentenced to 22 Years for Helping Cousin After Arthur James’s Murder
Liberta man convicted of being an accessory to murder after the fact; defence argued he acted under duress.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Horse Thefts Prompt Appeal for Missing Mare and Foal
Horse owners are appealing for help to locate a mare and her three-month-old foal stolen from Bendals, while proposing a nationwide database to help identify missing animals.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
VIDEO: Pigotts Mall Store Appeals for Help After Reported $3,000 Theft
The business is asking anyone who recognises three women captured on surveillance footage to contact police.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule
The 71-year-old pontiff announced the operation after Sunday’s Angelus. The nodule was found during recent medical checks and, he said, detected at an early stage.
By Dario Item
Comments
Be the first to comment.