GUAYNABO, PR, January 20, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Alex Mercado Quiñones has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Mercado's distinguished career in federal law enforcement and military service spans more than three decades, marked by a commitment to public service, leadership 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 Title 18 and Title 26 of the United States Code. His responsibilities include examining wire fraud, mail fraud and financial schemes that impact taxpayers and government funds. Mr. Mercado is recognized for conducting large-scale, high-profile investigations involving organizations and public figures, performing 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, he coordinates with the United States Attorney's Office to pursue restitution for the government and affected victims, and collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies throughout the investigative process.

Mr. Mercado's expertise in money laundering investigations, tax evasion, and fraud has established him as a subject-matter expert within his office. His extensive knowledge of various agencies has enabled him to excel as a liaison, particularly with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Colleagues frequently seek his guidance and his knowledge of investigative strategies and case development. His reputation for investigative acumen is further supported by his active membership in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Prior to joining IRS-CI, Mr. Mercado dedicated 14 years to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a Special Agent and Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) from 2006 to 2020. He began his law enforcement career as a CBPO with Customs and Border Protection in Houston, Texas, where he was responsible for inspecting ships, boats and aircraft for illicit drugs, counterfeit items and other contraband. He also managed immigration matters to ensure individuals were legally present in the United States. Advancing to the role of Special Agent within HSI, Mr. Mercado conducted complex investigations into drug smuggling, human smuggling and human trafficking. He collaborated with numerous federal, state, and local agencies—including the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Protective Services, Small Business Administration, U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service—on cases that required interagency cooperation. His background in accounting motivated his transition to the IRS to focus on financial crimes.

Mr. Mercado is also a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army. His military career began when he enlisted at age 17 in the United States Navy, serving from 1990 to 1996 as an aviation anti-submarine warfare operator. He earned his commission through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) program in 1997. His military trajectory included a brief tenure as a captain in the United States Air Force from 2001 to 2003 before returning to the Army National Guard. Throughout his military career, he assumed leadership roles across multiple branches—the Navy, Air Force and Army—culminating in his appointment as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College from 2018 until his retirement in August 2024. In this role, he trained soldiers and staff officers for leadership positions commanding up to 500 personnel. Mr. Mercado regards reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel and serving as a certified instructor during his final five years as among his most significant professional achievements. His total combined military service spans over 30 years.

His professional journey began with technical roles; from 1994 to 2000, he was a network technician at the Departamento de Hacienda de Puerto Rico, providing IT and help desk support, a position informed by his early academic pursuits in electronic engineering technology. As he transitioned to the accounting and business field, Mr. Mercado worked as an auditor at Oficina del Contralor de Puerto Rico from 2000 to 2006, where he conducted government-compliance audits for major public corporations, including the Puerto Rico (PR) Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and the PR Aqueducts and Sewer Authority (PRASA). This experience provided him with valuable insight into the public sector regulations, compliance, and accountability before he transitioned into federal law enforcement.

Mr. Mercado's educational background has been instrumental throughout his career progression. He earned a Master of Arts in business organizational and security management from Webster University in 2013, equipping him with advanced skills relevant to operational security and business management. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and business management from the University of Puerto Rico–Bayamón, awarded in 2000—a degree that directly influenced his transition into roles in financial crime investigation within federal agencies. Additionally, he completed coursework toward a Bachelor of Science in electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology at the University of Puerto Rico–Bayamón in 1996.

His commitment to professional development is reflected by several industry certifications: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) conferred by ACFE in 2025; Certified Economic Crime Forensic Examiner (CECFE) awarded by NW3C Inc. in 2020; CompTIA Security+ certification earned through CompTIA in 2011; Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation granted by ISACA in 2001; and private pilot license issued by Federal Aviation Administration also in 2001.

Mr. Mercado's decision to pursue military service was deeply influenced by his father—a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient— and his grandfather a WWII veteran- whose examples instilled values of service, dedication, and resilience from an early age. The events surrounding the Gulf War further motivated him to enlist at a time when resources were limited. However, opportunities through work-study programs and the GI Bill made higher education attainable.

Throughout his life, Mr. Mercado has demonstrated adaptability across diverse fields—from technical support roles to high-level federal investigations—earning recognition among peers for both breadth of experience and depth of expertise. He developed his military career in parallel to his professional career serving in increasing leadership roles and responsibilities.

Born in San Juan, Mr. Mercado enjoys spending time outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare, having fostered dogs during his years living in San Diego. He currently shares his home with his wife, two dogs and a cat.

Looking ahead, Mr. Mercado envisions advancing into supervisory roles within the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigations or transitioning into investigative or contracting positions within agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Defense, leveraging his extensive background across military service, law enforcement operations, financial crime investigation and interagency collaboration.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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