Investigators Believe Woman’s Carjacking Death Was Tied To Husband’s Money Laundering Operations

The investigation into a Florida woman’s death has unveiled her involvement in her estranged husband’s drug and money laundering operations.

Key Takeaways

New details surround the murder of Katherine Aguasvivas, who was found dead in a burning car last year.
She was carjacked in Winter Springs last year, forced to drive through counties, and was ultimately found at a construction site in Boggy Creek.
Evidence now suggests the incident was linked to a money laundering scheme.
Her estranged husband, Miguel Aguasvivas, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

Mysterious Abduction and Death

In Central Florida, the case of Katherine Aguasvivas has raised alarming questions about crime and punishment. Carjacked during the day near Winter Springs, she was a victim of a forced drive across counties before her body was found in a burning car at an Osceola County construction site. Federal investigations now believe that her murder was part of a plan targeting her for a substantial sum of $170,000 in drug money.

Authorities discovered that Aguasvivas had replaced another individual originally tasked with the April 11 drive. This routine trip to Central Florida, made at least 10 times before, highlighted what’s believed to be her role in a broader money laundering network aimed at converting drug profits into cryptocurrency. Her tragic demise was allegedly orchestrated by a gang now under trial for murder and associated charges.

1 year later: New details emerge in Central Florida carjacking and murder case https://t.co/Z9Fe9VIxog

— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) April 10, 2025

Federal Investigation Unravels Criminal Enterprise

Federal paperwork exposes the gang’s alleged operations extending across South and Central Florida. “This was not a random act. The group targeted Ms. Aguasvivas for the $170,000 in drug money she was carrying,” said US Attorney Roger Handberg. Six individuals currently face trial related to her murder, while her estranged husband, Miguel, was hit with conspiracy charges.

Miguel Aguasvivas was reportedly the key figure in illicit activities.. Authorities say his efforts included converting drug funds into cryptocurrency for a Colombian cartel. He just pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, which means he could be facing severe legal ramifications, including a potential 20-year imprisonment and a financial penalty of $500,000.

Legal and Personal Fallout

Amidst ongoing trials and discussions, Aguasvivas’s case echoes the seriousness of organized crime’s reach into everyday lives. Her narrative is not only a personal tragedy but also a stark reminder of the pressing need for vigilance against drug-related crimes and the laundering frameworks supporting them.