Monday, December 12th, 2011.

http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=68509

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Two Venezuelans and a native of the Dominican Republic are set to go before a magistrate today on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit the act.

According to an official statement from the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), the trio was apprehended following an operation last week in which a quantity of Euros and US dollars totalling a combined EC $127, 840 was seized.

The accused, whose names the officials withheld, were found in possession of various amounts of cash in the Jolly Harbour area while more money was found in a suitcase and a toilet bowl.

The Venezuelans, a 29-year-old businessman and a 20-year-old female, were each charged with possession, facilitation, conspiracy and money laundering while the third defendant, a 51-year-old Dominican who resides in Antigua, faces separate charges of conspiracy and money laundering.

In a press statement, the organisation said, “The Director has also indicated that every effort will continue to ensure that citizens and residents of Antigua & Barbuda can enjoy the upcoming holidays without undue influence from money gained from the proceeds of criminal activity.”

Money laundering is the process of using money acquired from the proceeds of criminal or illicit activity and trying to insert it into legitimate financial systems like banks and businesses.