The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued a cease-and-desist order against La Popular, a money transmission business, and its operator, Brenda Lili Barrera Orantes, amid allegations of laundering drug proceeds. The order was issued ahead of the holiday weekend to warn consumers against using unlicensed or legally compromised money transfer services.
According to the Oregon government newsroom, Barrera Orantes was arraigned in federal court in Portland following an indictment related to money laundering. La Popular, which operates multiple locations in Oregon, including in Hillsboro and Beaverton, is accused of conducting illegal financial activity tied to criminal enterprises.
In response, the DFR has ordered both La Popular and Barrera Orantes to immediately cease all money transmission operations and any regulatory violations. The action is intended to prevent further risk to consumers who may unknowingly use the service for domestic or international money transfers.
Consumers are urged to verify the licensing status of any money transmitter before initiating a transaction. Further details about the case and arraignment are available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.
