https://cbs12.com/news/local/south-floridas-department-of-justice-punishes-money-mules-scams-fraud-money-mule-stealing-crime-victim-doj-miami-suspect-arrested-court-bank-websited-5-17-2024

MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — Federal law enforcement agencies are working together to stop and punish the people who move money from fraud victims to international scam artists.

Their multi-agency Money Mule Initiative includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the FDIC, and is putting people behind bars.

“Money mules help criminals launder illicit proceeds derived from online scams, financial frauds, drug trafficking, or other crimes to make it harder for law enforcement to accurately trace,” said Jeffrey B. Veltri, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami Field Office. “To be very clear, acting as a money mule is illegal."

In one case, three people from Florida have been accused of taking part in a scheme to launder millions of dollars across the country. They reportedly impersonated bank representatives to get bank information from small business owners and used it to move money to other accounts.

The report states the suspects, Daphne De la Caridad Gonzalez, Neovordo Gordon, and Collins Oleh, would receive the illegal funds or help others to get and withdraw the money.

According to the DOJ, Gonzales laundered between $1.5 million and $3.5 million. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 46 months in prison on Friday, April 26. Officials reported, Gordon also pleaded guilty to laundering between $3.5 and $9.5 million and is waiting for sentencing on Wednesday, June 26. Oleh's trial is set for Monday, July 1.

Another case cited by the DOJ showed how people involved in money laundering may have been unknowingly recruited and not even realized their role in the crimes.

A Florida man identified as Michael Gonzalez has been accused by officials of engaging in money laundering. The DOJ reported that between 2018 and 2019, he instructed others to open bank accounts in South Florida to withdraw money from people they had tricked online.

The victims allegedly thought they were paying for items and services they had bought through eBay, Booking.com, AirBNB, and other online marketplaces.

According to officials two individuals, involved admitted their guilt and were sentenced to prison. Michael's trial is set for July 8, 2024.

The goal of the DOJ is to teach the public about the role of money mules in fraud and how to avoid accidentally helping scammers by receiving and transferring money.