Mexico Probes Money-Laundering Report

MEXICO CITY — Atty. Gen. Jorge Madrazo Cuellar said Monday that he has launched an investigation into allegations of money laundering by the government’s food distribution agency, Conasupo.

He said the government began its own investigation after the Washington Post reported Sunday that the U.S. Justice Department is looking into allegations that the older brother of former President Carlos Salinas de Gortari used Conasupo to launder drug profits through U.S. banks.

Madrazo declined to give further information on the probe until his office decides whether there is sufficient evidence to charge anyone. He said U.S. authorities would be asked to share the information they have with their Mexican counterparts.

The Post reported that the probe was focused on whether Raul Salinas de Gortari used Conasupo to shield cocaine shipments into the United States and to launder drug money for the Gulf cartel.