Julión Álvarez Admits Knowing Drug Lord Raúl Flores, Denies Ties To His Business

Julión Álvarez held a press conference this afternoon to address the issue with the media he's currently facing. The Regional Mexican singer admitted to knowing drug kingpin Raúl Flores, who he is being linked to for money laundering. "I know him, I didn't know he was a drug trafficker," he said according to El Universal. Álvarez also revealed that neither Mexican or American authorities have contacted him and he's unaware if his bank accounts have been frozen. He also said: "I am a dignified person with a lot of values... I like to walk on the right path, unless my twist my ankle and I walk funny."

On the day that the scandal erupted, Álvarez was quick to deny his alleged ties with what the U.S. Treasury states. "I need to seek advise to see where this is coming from," he said during a Facebook Live in his ranch. "I am a countryman that knows how to do his things ... it has cost me a lot - the little or a lot of things that I have. I don't have the need to do the things that I am being accused of. You guys know who I am, I also have a lot of friends that know me, but this is part of [the industry]."

Álvarez continued his explanation: "On the day they tell me to present myself, I will be there. Rafa Márquez is one of the best soccer players and he has been playing soccer for many years, he doesn't need to be involved in this. Maybe we could team up or do it independently. I only think has something to do with envy, jealousy and success, everything that they are saying has an explanation. Let's pray and believe me that I am alright, don't worry about me."

Rafa Márquez was also one of the names mentioned and he also held a press conference to deny the claims. "I understand the judicial situation that I am in and I will look at it with my lawyers," he said during a brief press conference. "I want to make it clear that I don't and have never participated with these organizations that I am being linked to." He also added: "I will cooperate with the government when I am asked to. I want to ask for respect towards me and my family. I thank everyone that has sent me messages of motivation and support and I will not fail you."

The Mexican soccer club Atlas star, Rafa Márquez, was included in a list by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as one of the 21 Mexican nationals and 42 entities with ties to alleged drug trafficker Raúl Flores Hernández. "Raul Flores Hernandez has operated for decades because of his longstanding relationships with other drug cartels and his use of financial front persons to mask his investments of illegal drug proceeds," said OFAC Director John E. Smith. "This major joint action reflects the U.S. government's close cooperation with our law enforcement partners in Mexico to stop the illegal flow of narcotics and to target and expose drug kingpins and those who facilitate their illicit financial networks."