Image Credit: Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After allegedly laundering more than $20 million from internet fraud proceeds, nine individuals have been charged after a multi-jurisdiction FBI operation according to a recently unsealed indictment in Nashville.
According to a press release from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Public Affairs, four of the nine individuals charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering are residents of Murfreesboro, TN, while the others are from Houston, TX, and Florissant, MO.
Reportedly, the nine defendants had been operating their laundering organization since approximately 2016 across the country, with focus on Tennessee and Texas.
The indictment alleges the organization was structured by “herders” or “recruiters” who in turn enlisted “money mules” to transfer proceeds from fraudulent activities, including business email “compromise schemes.”
According to court documents, the funds, obtained through scams targeting businesses and individuals across the United States and internationally, were funneled through sham and front companies to conceal the proceeds and, “enrich the members of the conspiracy.”
The Nashville and Salt Lake City FBI Field Offices and Boise Resident Agency are overseeing the investigation with assistance from the FBI’s Forensic Account Support Team. Prosecutors for the case include trial attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee.
All nine defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted, with sentencing to be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DOJ reminds readers, “An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
