Federal Evidence Implicates Reggaeton Artist Coquito in Drug Money Laundering Through Blin Blin Music

Federal evidence suggests that reggaeton artist Jose Coquito Lopez Rosario laundered drug money through his record label, Blin Blin Music. Coquito, a prominent figure in the reggaeton scene, was allegedly the leader of a violent criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and multiple murders.

Coquito's organization, known as TDS (Torres de Sabana or The Discoteque Breakers), controlled drug trafficking in the Torres de Sabana residential complex in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The group was dismantled in a federal operation in 2010, resulting in the arrest of 70 criminals. Federal prosecutor Alberto Lopez Rocafort stated, "Evidence arose that they did use that company Blin Blin Music to launder money from drug trafficking."

Why this matters: This case highlights the dark underbelly of the music industry, where criminal organizations use legitimate businesses to launder illegal profits. The implications are far-reaching, as it undermines trust in the industry and can have devastating consequences for innocent people caught in the crossfire.

Blin Blin Music, incorporated by Coquito on November 20, 2002, produced the famous album Blin Blin Vol. 1 in 2003. This album featured prominent reggaeton artists such as Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Plan B, Tego Calderon, and Hector Tito. The label's success in the music industry provided a front for laundering money from the sale of controlled substances and the movement of kilos to the United States.

Coquito's criminal organization was notorious for its use of violence to maintain control over drug trafficking operations. The group was involved in over 20 murders and frequently kidnapped and tortured rivals and even members of their own organization. Victims were often gagged and tortured inside the residential complex before being removed in a white van.

Despite extensive investigations since 1998, Coquito was never convicted. He was seen as a benefactor in his community, respected by neighbors and known for giving expensive toys to children on Three Kings Day. In Torres de Sabana, he was perceived as a leader and a protector of the community.

Coquito was also a leader of the United Drug Traffickers Organization (UN), created by Angelo Millones. The UN aimed to maintain peace among residential communities in the metropolitan area to avoid deaths among themselves. The organization was dismantled in 2012.

Coquito was murdered on July 28, 2006, and was replaced by Harold Figueroa Sanchez, alias Casco Gordo or Cabeza. Despite his death, his criminal organization's influence continued until the federal operation in 2010.

The Torres de Sabana residential complex, also known as El Castillo, was demolished in 2022. The dismantling of Coquito's organization and the subsequent demolition of Torres de Sabana marked the end of an era of violence and drug trafficking in the area.

The case of Jose Coquito Lopez Rosario illustrates the complex intersection of crime and the music industry. While he was a respected figure in his community and the reggaeton world, his criminal activities cast a long shadow over his legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Federal evidence suggests reggaeton artist Jose Coquito Lopez Rosario laundered drug money through his record label, Blin Blin Music.
• Coquito led a violent criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and multiple murders in Puerto Rico.
• His label produced a successful album featuring prominent reggaeton artists, providing a front for money laundering.
• Coquito's organization was notorious for violence, kidnapping, and torture, with over 20 murders attributed to them.
• Coquito was murdered in 2006, but his organization's influence continued until its dismantling in 2010.