Brad Furman’s 2016 film, “The Infiltrator,” tells the gripping story of customs officer Robert Mazur, who is tasked with dismantling money laundering operations linked to some of the country’s most notorious drug cartels. His most daunting challenge comes when he goes undercover, adopting the alias Bob Musella to infiltrate one of the world’s largest cartels. As he gains the trust of his members, he also uncovers incriminating evidence that could ultimately lead to the collapse of their empire. The film explores themes that resonate with historical events. So it wouldn’t be surprising if it was also based on a true story.

The Infiltrator is a tribute to the work of Robert Mazur and his team

The screenplay for “The Infiltrator” is based on Robert Mazur’s autobiography “The Infiltrator: My Secret Life Inside the Dirty Banks Behind Pablo Escobar’s Medellin Cartel”, published in 2009. It was developed for the cinema by Ellen Furman, who is the mother of director Brad Furman. With a few exceptions, most of the real names and incidents related to Mazur’s experiments were retained in the film. It effectively describes the execution of Operation C-Chase, showcasing the intricate details of Mazur’s undercover work and the extensive efforts to dismantle the drug cartel’s money laundering operations.

Robert Mazur came up with the idea for the book when he served as technical advisor for Michael Mann’s 2006 remake of “Miami Vice.” During this time, Mann was captivated by Mazur’s secret stories and suggested turning them into into film, emphasizing the need for a book to present the idea. “I always thought there was something special about the story,” Mazur reflectednoting that Mann’s creative approval convinced him to pursue the project. After finding an agent, he developed a publishing proposal that quickly gained traction, selling out within a month and paving the way for adaptation.

Operation C-Chase was a major undercover operation conducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily aimed at dismantling the money laundering networks of major drug cartels. Specifically, it targeted the Medellín (led by Pablo Escobar) and Cali cartels, which at the time were responsible for the vast majority of cocaine entering the country. The operation began in 1986 and involved several law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Customs Service (now part of the Department of Homeland Security), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was led by Robert Mazur, an undercover customs agent who posed as a money launderer named Bob Musella.

Real incidents and characters imbued the film with authenticity

Robert Mazur’s goal was to infiltrate the financial operations of the drug cartels and expose the complex web of money laundering schemes they used to hide drug trafficking profits. During the operation, he managed to gain the trust of high-ranking cartel members and their associates, allowing him to gather crucial evidence and documents. This included recordings of conversations and transactions involving various individuals and financial institutions in the laundering process. Speaking about his work at the time, Mazur said: “I lived and breathed information. That’s what motivated me. Live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; 48/7, if I could. It was my weakness.

In various interviews, Mazur emphasized his team’s crucial role in the success of Operation C-Chase. Many real-life characters were adapted into films, such as Emir Abreu, who was Mazur’s close friend and partner, essential to the success of the mission. Emir, a customs agent from Aguadilla, was known for his remarkable ability to read people, which earned him Mazur’s deep respect. Additionally, Agent Kathy Ertz was introduced as Mazur’s girlfriend and future fiancée, a strategic choice to make him appear more approachable and vulnerable to the cartel. This mission marked his first and last infiltration mission.

Likewise, many other characters like Eric Wellman and Bonni Tischler were also inspired by real people. In reality, the plan was to carry out the arrests on the day of Robert Mazur’s wedding. However, Mazur insisted that the operation not take place in front of the criminals’ wives and children, as he believed them to be innocent. His superior, Bonni Tischler, was initially skeptical of the idea, but when other agents supported Mazur’s request, they ultimately decided to make the arrests the day before the fake wedding.

Creative freedoms do not disrupt the message Mazur wanted to convey

The work accomplished by Robert Mazur and his team during Operation C-Chase resulted in an impressive 85 indictments, having a significant impact on the world of organized crime. Their efforts contributed to the downfall of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), which had clandestinely illegally acquired shares of First American Bankshares in Washington, DC. Additionally, Mazur’s investigation played a crucial role in the conviction of former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Due to the nature of his work, Mazur faced numerous death threats, forcing him to keep a low profile.

He avoided showing his face during interviews and even attending the red carpet screening of “The Infiltrator.” Mazur expressed reluctance to discuss his personal safety, saying it was not a matter of public concern. Instead, he hopes sharing his story will draw attention to financial crimes and their far-reaching impacts. Although the film may suggest that his team’s efforts significantly disrupted Pablo Escobar’s empire, Mazur acknowledges that the impact was not as great as claimed. He likens their work to creating a “bump in the highway” for the cartel, pointing out that while they made a difference, the overall structure of organized crime continued to operate.

The film amps up the mise-en-scene, and even Robert Mazur acknowledged that such embellishments were necessary to create a cinematic experience. However, thanks to his close involvement in the film’s production, much of its authenticity was preserved. The most significant aspect that stands out is the integrity with which Mazur carried out his work, as well as the various people who contributed to the success of one of the country’s most remarkable undercover operations. The mix of real and fictional elements come together to create a biography that has truly stood the test of time.

Learn more: Best Gangster Movies on Netflix