Title: Special Agent
Company: IRS Criminal Investigation
Location: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, United States
Alex Mercado Quiñones, Special Agent at IRS Criminal Investigation, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Law Enforcement.
Mr. Mercado has established a notable career in federal law enforcement and military service, marked by a commitment to public service and professional excellence. Since 2020, he has served as a special agent with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), where he investigates money laundering, white-collar crime, tax violations and related offenses under Titles 18 and 26 of the United States Code. Mr. Mercado’s responsibilities include examining wire fraud, mail fraud and financial schemes that impact taxpayers and government funds.
Adept at conducting large-scale, high-profile investigations involving organizations and public figures, Mr. Mercado performs in-depth background research, financial analysis and investigative interviews. He executes law enforcement actions, such as search warrants, arrests, searches and seizures, and is responsible for seizing assets and property associated with criminal activity when warranted. Additionally, Mr. Mercado coordinates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to pursue restitution for the government and affected victims while collaborating with federal, state and local agencies throughout the investigative process.
Within IRS-CI, Mr. Mercado is recognized as a subject matter expert in homeland security-related investigations. His extensive knowledge of various agencies has enabled him to excel as a liaison, particularly with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Colleagues frequently seek Mr. Mercado’s expertise regarding appropriate contacts for specific types of investigations or searches. His robust network of contacts, built during his nearly two-decade tenure in law enforcement, has proven invaluable for providing recommendations and facilitating interagency cooperation.
Before joining the IRS-CI, Mr. Mercado dedicated over 10 years to homeland security investigations within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2006 to 2020. Based primarily in San Diego, California, and at the San Ysidro border near Tijuana, Mexico, he conducted investigations into drug smuggling, human smuggling and human trafficking. Mr. Mercado collaborated with several state and local agencies, including the Secret Service, the FBI, the Administration for Children and Families, and the U.S. Marshals Service. His assignments also included work in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he completed joint operations with the Secret Service.
Mr. Mercado began his federal law enforcement career as a Customs and Border Protection officer in Houston, Texas. In this capacity, he was responsible for inspecting ships, boats and aircraft for illicit drugs, counterfeit items and other contraband. He also became involved with immigration matters by ensuring individuals were legally present in the United States. Mr. Mercado’s transition to federal service followed five years as an auditor for the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico from 2000 to 2006. There, he focused on government-compliance auditing for major organizations, including the Electric Power Authority of Puerto Rico.
Mr. Mercado’s military career spans over 30 years across three branches, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. He began his journey in 1990 at age 17 as a petty officer third class in the U.S. Navy Reserve, serving as an aviation anti-submarine warfare operator until 1996. During his early years in the military, Mr. Mercado gained experience as a network technician at the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury from 1994 to 2000. Upon returning home, he utilized the GI Bill to further his education while remaining in the reserves.
In 1996, Mr. Mercado completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army National Guard in 1997. He served in this capacity until 2001, then accepted a commission as a captain in the U.S. Air Force until 2003. Returning to the Army National Guard, Mr. Mercado advanced through leadership roles, culminating in his promotion to lieutenant colonel. From 2018 until his retirement in August 2024, he served as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College, where he trained soldiers and staff officers for leadership roles commanding up to approximately 500 personnel. Over five years as a certified instructor, Mr. Mercado trained several groups of officers who later advanced to senior ranks.
Mr. Mercado’s academic achievements have been instrumental throughout his career trajectory. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and business management from the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, in 2000 and a Master of Arts in business operations and security management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2013. He also pursued numerous professional credentials, enhancing his expertise. He is a certified information systems auditor from ISACA, holds the CompTIA Security+ certification, is a certified economic crime forensic examiner from NW3C, Inc., and is a certified fraud examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Furthermore, Mr. Mercado holds a private pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Apart from his education, Mr. Mercado’s membership in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners underscores his commitment to professional development and industry standards. It also allows him to network with like-minded individuals from within the field.
Mr. Mercado credits his father, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, as an early influence on his decision to serve his country. The events surrounding the Gulf War further inspired him to enlist at a young age despite limited resources during his upbringing. Work-study programs and the GI Bill were pivotal in enabling Mr. Mercado to pursue higher education.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mercado envisions himself advancing into supervisory roles within IRS-CI, transitioning into investigative work for agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or serving as a contracting officer for IRS. Opportunities within the U.S. Department of Defense are also under consideration, given his extensive military experience. Mr. Mercado’s career reflects unwavering dedication, adaptability, expertise in money laundering investigations and tax evasion, and an enduring commitment to public service that continues to shape both his professional journey and personal aspirations.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Mr. Mercado:
Your message has been sent
