Springfield store owner Esteban Peralta Fragozo charged with money laundering
The gist
U.S. prosecutors charged Esteban Peralta Fragozo, owner of Springfield's El Kaiman Western Wear, with money laundering and illegal firearm possession.
Investigators allege more than $34 million in suspected drug proceeds moved through his wire transfers.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2018 to Jul 2026El Kaiman Western Wear processed about 179,874 wire transfers totaling more than $93 million, of which more than $34 million is suspected drug proceeds sent from Springfield to trafficking areas in Mexico and Honduras, per court documents.
- Nov 4, 2026Federal agents searched Fragozo's home, business, car and person; at El Kaiman they recovered a Ruger 9 mm pistol, ammunition and bulk currency.
- Nov 5, 2026Fragozo, 50, was charged in U.S. District Court with money laundering and illegal possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
Key terms
- money laundering
- The process of concealing the illegal origin of money from crimes and making it appear legitimate.
- wire transfers
- An electronic method of sending funds from one person or bank account to another.
- confidential informant
- A person who secretly provides privileged information about others to law enforcement or government agencies.
Source: Wikipedia