Money laundering is a federal crime that involves the concealment of illegally obtained money through illegal means, which can include transfers involving foreign banks or even local or national legitimate businesses.
At the Nava Law Group, P.C., our Houston, Texas money laundering defense attorneys focus on the facts of your case and how the specific money laundering laws apply to your circumstances, so your rights are protected while we build the best defense available for your unique needs.
Why Would Someone Participate in Money Laundering?
Laundering typically involves large amounts of money and has been designated as a federal crime since 1994, when the Money Laundering Suppression Act went into effect throughout the country.
When money is illegally obtained, individuals must go through great lengths to conceal its unlawful gain by redistributing it back into the financial system or marketplace where it can be used to purchase items like homes, cars, and other high-ticket items without arousing suspicion.
The most common types of illegally obtained money that must be redistributed for laundering — so it can be used as “clean” money — often originate from other crimes including, but not limited to:
- Black market sales of stolen goods
- Bribery
- Drug sales, manufacturing, and distribution
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Illegal gambling
- Insider trading
- Racketeering
- Smuggling
- Tax evasion
- Terrorism financing
- Theft
Our United States Congress requires all banks to report financial transactions of $10,000 or more to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. This requirement triggers a red flag when anyone deposits or removes large sums of money, which often leads to an investigation that allows law enforcement officials to follow the money trail to ensure its legality.
Contact the Nava Law Group, P.C. Money Laundering Attorneys in Texas Today
If you are currently under investigation for money laundering, have been questioned by federal prosecutors, or have already been charged with money laundering, contact our experienced federal crimes attorneys in Harris County today by calling (713) 661-9900 to learn how we can protect your rights while designing the best defense available for your case.