From Kidnappers to Kingpins: The Orejuela Brothers’ Criminal Empire
From Kidnappers to Kingpins: The Orejuela Brothers’ Criminal Empire  
Podcast: Crimes Across America
Published On: Wed Mar 19 2025
Description: “The Orejuela brothers built the Cali Cartel into one of the most powerful drug empires in history, controlling 80% of the world’s cocaine trade while staying in the shadows. Unlike the violent Medellín Cartel, they used bribery, politics, and strategy to run a multi-billion-dollar operation. But no empire lasts forever. This is the story of their rise, their fall, and how their silent reign came to an end.”