该文章描述了贩毒集团洗钱方式出现可衡量的转变：从以现金为主的传统方法，转向由加密货币驱动的零工网路。加州掮客 David Scotese 是其中例子，据称他在 2021 到 2023 年间进行了超过 4000 笔无需身分证交易，并在 2023 年 6 月被捕前的一次卧底交接中收下至少 60000。文中引用的联邦案件还包括：在波士顿附近兑换 140000、在肯塔基进行 80 次电汇取款、总值超过 15000000，以及在美国东部约 12 次停车场交易中转移近 2000000。总体压力极大：美国当局估计贩毒集团每年必须回收约 100000000000，而在 2020 疫情扰乱门面生意与边境流程后，稳定币成为偏好的通道；Chainalysis 估计稳定币如今占非法加密交易量的 84%。

执法资深人士透过行动数据追溯这一转型：DEA 测试贩毒集团加密洗钱的行动花了 6 months 才拿到第一份 300000 的 Bitcoin 合约；同时线人回报，随著中国掮客以更便宜服务扩张，他们的佣金从 8%、10% 和 15% 崩跌到 1% 或 2%。此后，Project Sleeping Giant 又花了 5 years 绘制中墨整合网路，包括与后续指控相关的 2021 年 1 月 10 日越境、一笔放在礼品袋中的 250000 现金转移，以及一种受中国每人每年 50000 境外限额推动、进而拉高离岸美元需求的商业模式。探员称，这些买家有时愿为美国现金支付 30%+ 溢价；在其中一段行动中，他们查扣 2800000、观察到另外 18 次交付，并在 2024 年 4 月起诉 Tong、Martinez-Reyes 和另外 22 人；另一方面，Wynn Las Vegas 在承认使用无牌掮客通道后，另行被没收 130000000。

核心含义是能力差距正在扩大：调查人员仍能起诉案件，但他们表示，人力、训练、加密屏障与政策变动，正让其速度相对于快速变动的加密洗钱市场持续下降。官员指出，2025 年 DOJ 指令缩小了对许多加密中介使用 1960 无牌转帐法条的范围；同时，在新的美国规则下稳定币扩张，可能进一步降低对银行的依赖，而银行正是 AML 监控的主要卡点。Scotese 的结果同时呈现执法的触及范围与局限：当局查扣超过 1300000 的加密资产、现金与金属，但他最终仅就较轻的 1960 罪名认罪，并获判已服刑期加 8 个月缓刑；与此同时，调查人员警告，追查 300000 的街头兑换，重要性已不如追踪可移动数十亿资金的 Tether 钱包。

The article describes a measurable shift in cartel laundering from cash-heavy traditional methods to crypto-enabled gig networks, illustrated by California broker David Scotese, who allegedly ran more than 4000 no-ID trades from 2021 to 2023 and accepted at least 60000 in one undercover handoff before his June 2023 arrest. Federal cases cited include 140000 swapped near Boston, 80 wired pickups worth more than 15000000 in Kentucky, and nearly 2000000 moved in about 12 parking-lot exchanges across the eastern US. The macro pressure is huge: US authorities estimate cartels must recycle about 100000000000 each year, and after the 2020 pandemic disrupted front businesses and border routines, stablecoins became a preferred rail; Chainalysis estimates stablecoins now represent 84% of illicit crypto transaction volume.

Law enforcement veterans trace the transition through operational data: DEA efforts to test cartel crypto laundering took 6 months to land a first 300000 Bitcoin contract, while informants reported their commissions collapsing from 8%, 10%, and 15% to 1% or 2% as Chinese brokers scaled cheaper services. Project Sleeping Giant then spent 5 years mapping Chinese-Mexican integration, including a Jan. 10, 2021 border crossing tied to later allegations, a 250000 cash transfer in a gift bag, and a business model boosted by China’s 50000-per-person annual outbound limit that drives offshore dollar demand. Agents say those buyers sometimes paid 30%+ premiums for US cash; in one leg they seized 2800000, observed 18 additional drops, and in April 2024 charged Tong, Martinez-Reyes, and 22 others, while Wynn Las Vegas separately forfeited 130000000 after admitting use of unlicensed broker channels.

The central implication is a widening capability gap: investigators still can indict cases, but they report staffing, training, encryption barriers, and policy shifts are reducing their speed relative to fast-moving crypto laundering markets. Officials point to a 2025 DOJ directive narrowing use of the 1960 unlicensed-transmitter statute against many crypto intermediaries, while stablecoin expansion under new US rules could further reduce reliance on banks, the main chokepoint for AML surveillance. Scotese’s outcome captures both enforcement reach and limits: authorities seized over 1300000 in crypto, cash, and metals, yet he ultimately pleaded to a lesser 1960 count and received time served plus 8 months probation; meanwhile investigators warn that chasing 300000 street swaps matters less than tracing Tether wallets that can move billions.