Jeremy McDermott26 June 2021

Hunting An Invisible Drug Lord - Jeremy McDermott - #339

0Frameworks

8Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take43:30

Criminal Libel Is a Weapon Against Journalists in Colombia

The guest argues that Colombia’s criminal libel laws are weaponized by powerful figures to silence journalists without having to prove falsehoods.

Colombia allows criminal libel, which can lead to prison without proving lies.
Memo Fantasma and the Vice President both used it to target the journalist.
Plaintiffs don’t need to prove innocence—just file a complaint.
The real goal is to intimidate and drain resources, not win in court.

“In Colombia, they have criminal libel... they don’t have to prove it’s a lie. That’s why all the bad guys use it.”
Jeremy McDermott · 44:30

#free speech#libel#journalism

Explainer· 3

Explainer01:30

Why Invisible Drug Lords Are More Dangerous Than Flashy Cartel Kings

The guest explains how modern drug traffickers like 'Memo Fantasma' have shifted from violent, high-profile personas like Pablo Escobar to operating in complete anonymity. This stealth approach makes them harder to catch and more effective at evading law enforcement.

Memo Fantasma avoided public attention for decades while moving up to 100 tons of cocaine.
Unlike flashy cartel leaders, he wore suits, avoided photos, and operated behind the scenes.
His anonymity was a deliberate survival and business strategy.
He used informants, bribes, and legal loopholes to erase his criminal history.

“The invisibles is a name we've been giving to drug traffickers here in Latin America... who decided their best protection was being anonymous.”
Jeremy McDermott · 01:30

#organized crime#drug trafficking#anonymity

Explainer21:30

How Memo Fantasma Stayed Out of Prison for Decades

Jeremy McDermott details how Guillermo Acevedo, aka Memo Fantasma, manipulated the justice system by bribing prosecutors, burying investigations, and becoming a DEA informant to avoid prosecution.

Bribed two prosecutors and two judicial police to bury his cases.
Became a DEA informant, which protected him from U.S. indictments.
Never spent a single day in prison despite decades of drug trafficking.
Used the Colombian 'Peace and Justice' program to hide testimony about him.

“He got rid of his initial judicial history by bribing two fiscales... who are now very successful defense lawyers.”
Jeremy McDermott · 21:30

#corruption#DEA#prison avoidance

Explainer53:30

How Memo Fantasma Laundered Money Through Real Estate

The guest describes how Memo Fantasma used real estate development to launder drug money, particularly through a high-profile tower in Bogotá, without leaving a paper trail.

Bought land under his mother's name and swapped it for property in a luxury development.
Never directly invested cash, so banks didn’t flag transactions.
Now legally owns offices and shops generating up to $2 million in annual rent.
Paid drug debts by transferring property titles instead of cash.

“He buys land and makes a deal: 'You build, and I get 15 offices, 50 parking spaces, and three shops.' No money changes hands. It’s…”
Jeremy McDermott · 54:00

#money laundering#real estate#crime finance

Story· 1

Story09:30

How I Found Memo Fantasma: From a TV Cameo to a Global Chase

Jeremy recounts how he finally identified the elusive drug lord after years of dead ends—starting with a photo from a reality TV show and leading to a confrontation in Madrid.

Spotted in a Colombian reality TV show sitting in a café, unaware he was on camera.
Photo allowed sources to confirm it was Guillermo Acevedo.
Tracked him to Madrid using company registrations and property records.
Confronted his lawyers, provoking a call from Memo himself.

“I go to this reality TV show... and there he is, sipping coffee, totally uninterested. That was Guillermo Acevedo.”
Jeremy McDermott · 10:00

#investigation#memo fantasma#journalism

Q&A· 1

Q&A20:00

Why Hasn’t Memo Fantasma Been Arrested Despite Being Exposed?

The host asks why, despite being publicly identified and having properties seized, Memo Fantasma remains free. The guest attributes it to corruption and fear within Colombia’s justice system.

Colombian Attorney General has identified him and seized assets.
He still walks free, suggesting high-level protection.
Fear and bribery likely prevent officials from acting.
Same system is being used to sue the journalist exposing him.

“How can they not issue an arrest warrant for someone already identified by the Attorney General? That will not stand.”
Jeremy McDermott · 20:45

#corruption#justice system#arrest

Tool· 1

Tool57:00

Insight Crime: Investigative Reports on Latin American Organized Crime

The guest recommends Insight Crime, where he publishes in-depth investigations on drug cartels and corruption in Latin America.

Nonprofit investigative journalism site focused on organized crime.
45 journalists across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Publishes detailed reports with documents and photos.
Hosted series on Memo Fantasma and other 'invisible' drug lords.

“Please come to the Insight Crime website. We're a big team of 45 journalists scattered around Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Jeremy McDermott · 63:00

#journalism#investigation#resource

Takeaway· 1

Takeaway59:00

The Invisible Strategy Works: Crime Pays If You Stay Hidden

The guest concludes that Memo Fantasma’s success proves that low-profile, high-corruption crime can outlast and outsmart traditional law enforcement.

Memo built wealth, legitimacy, and protection without ever being caught.
His model—erase your past, tie in powerful allies, go legit—works.
Same system meant to stop crime is used to protect criminals.
The real threat isn’t violence—it’s invisibility.

“He deliberately went into business with people who would protect him. It’s brilliant.”
Jeremy McDermott · 60:00

#crime#strategy#corruption