DEA Agents Accused of Corruption and Misconduct Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

In a shocking revelation, a group chat among DEA agents has come under scrutiny following the 2018 arrest of George Zoumberos, accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman in a Madrid hotel. This incident triggered alarm bells within the DEA, leading to urgent communications at the agency's headquarters. The Associated Press (AP) has obtained thousands of confidential law enforcement documents that expose a troubling culture of corruption among federal narcotics agents, who allegedly exploited the DEA's operations for personal indulgences, including binge drinking and illicit sexual activities. The victim, who spoke to AP under the condition of anonymity, recounted her experience, stating she clearly communicated her unwillingness to engage in sexual activity. Meanwhile, Irizarry, another agent implicated in the scandal and currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for money laundering, has claimed he is not a rogue agent and insists that accountability is necessary for others involved in the misconduct. The WhatsApp chat, which surfaced during an FBI investigation, included exchanges from 2017 involving several agents, with only Irizarry willing to discuss the matter publicly. Zoumberos's alleged assault marked a significant turning point, leading to his resignation from the DEA after invoking his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. The internal records indicate that at least a dozen other agents faced disciplinary actions for their involvement in the misconduct. The woman involved in the case was later contacted by Spanish police regarding her willingness to cooperate with the FBI's broader investigation into DEA corruption.