Updated: Tuesday, 09 Nov 2010, 6:12 PM EST

Published : Tuesday, 09 Nov 2010, 5:15 PM

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/providence/car-lot-money-laundering-investigation

DEA, U.S. Marshals & Customs are all involved

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Providence auto body shop is under investigation for money laundering.

Eyewitness News has learned that Espeillat Motorshttp is at the center of the investigation. It all went down starting around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, when officers swarmed the car repair shop at 75 Elmwood Avenue.

The U.S. Attorney's office said the company may have been selling vehicles without the proper paperwork. The President of the Espeillat Motors, Domingo Lopez, 49, of Warwick and his son, Derlyn Lopez, 22, also of Warwick have been arrested by D.E.A. agents.

They have each been charged with two counts of money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Both of the men have made initial appearances before a U.S. District Court Magistrate and are being detained.

Authorities have seized all of the vehicles from the car lot. DEA, U.S. Customs, U.S. Marshals, R.I. State Police and Providence police are all participating in the investigation.