> But given that no-one seems to seriously dispute that he did try to pay to have the guy killed

If there was enough evidence to demonstrate that he attempted to murder someone, why wasn't he charged and convicted of it?

Also, 2 of the DEA agents involved in his investigation were convicted of fraud in relation to the case.

I do believe he probably did attempt to have someone killed, but I'm far from certain of it, and think it should have no bearing on the case if there's not enough evidence to convict him.