Another way cartels are funneling money is through “smurfs”. Smurf or smurfing is a term used for a money launderer, someone who deposits illegally gained money into bank accounts for under-the-radar transfer in the near future.

“That is called smurfing. That would be if you go to the bank and you're making deposits or withdrawing money in excess of $10,000. You have to do make a currency transaction record,” said Sorianello.

Like the little blue cartoon characters, the smurfs, they’re everywhere. Smurfs scurry from bank to bank making these deposits. Smurfs serve a critical function in the money laundering network, but the DEA has vowed to continue to crack down on drug-trafficking violations, including smurfing.

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https://foxsanantonio.com/news/yami-investigates/dea-drug-traffickers-are-hiring-smurfs-to-do-their-dirty-work