FREE Personal Injury Claims Quiz

Take My Free Quiz Now!
(719) 757-1182

3 players in the money laundering game

January 20, 2022 – admin – Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Maybe business hasn’t exactly been booming in your area – or maybe you’re just desperate for a little extra money to pay an unexpected bill. Whatever the reason, you’re looking around for some ways to get a fast influx of cash.

Be careful. You could end up being recruited into a money-laundering scheme by some criminal organization.

Why do criminals need to “launder” money?

Whether they’re dealing in prostitution, human trafficking, gun smuggling, internet fraud, drug smuggling or something else, criminals tend to make a lot of money – but they can’t spend it openly without attracting unwanted attention from the authorities.

That’s why they need to take money that was obtained through “dirty” (illegal) means and make it “clean,” or appear legitimately earned. After all, what’s the point of all those ill-gotten gains if they can’t spend them, right?

To launder their money, cartels and other criminals often recruit otherwise law-abiding citizens to do the work. Here are three major players:

  • Mules: These folks are often asked to move money from one location to another, open bank accounts and start making wire transfers or exchanges. They may be paid well for their efforts because that’s a great way to lure in students, folks who are down on their luck and anybody naive enough to think that what they’re doing has a legitimate business purpose.
  • Smurfs: These are often business owners who are willing to take a risk for the cash they need to stay afloat. They don’t want to attract any government attention to themselves, and they’re usually sophisticated enough to disperse large sums of money into seemingly innocuous transactions that look like they’re business-related.
  • Shells: These are basically businesses that exist only on paper. While shell corporations can have legitimate purposes, others are created specifically to make it hard to track how money flows through their coffers.

Desperation can drive people to uncharacteristic acts – including money laundering. Do not think for a moment, however, that the authorities won’t come down hard on you if you’re caught. If you find yourself facing money laundering charges, it’s time to seek legal guidance.

Related Blog Posts

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

What are some of the more common college student crimes?

College is a time for freedom and personal growth for many, but some students run into altercations with the law that could potentially impact the rest of their lives. Criminal…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

WHAT A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER CAN PROVIDE

When faced with any type of criminal case, you are well aware that your future, as well as your reputation, is at stake. For this reason, you want to learn…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Man charged in 1984 hammer murders

On March 2, Colorado authorities arraigned a 59-year-old man on murder and sexual assault charges stemming from a crime spree he allegedly committed in Arapahoe County 36 years ago. He…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Crime Lab Bias May Have Led To Wrongful Convictions In Colorado

Errors in state crime labs have been reported across the country, and now, Colorado is taking it’s turn. A new report found that the Colorado crime lab has been biased…

Personal Injury Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Our Location

Pease Enter Your Name and Number For Callback

Request A Call Back