Cybercrime money laundering is a serious crime, and convicted individuals face severe penalties. In Frisco, cybercrime money laundering is prosecuted both at the federal and state level. Below are some facts about cybercrime money laundering in Frisco, Texas.
What is Cyber Crime Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the process that individuals use to “clean” proceeds from criminal activity by disguising its illicit and unlawful origins. This process prevents the money from being traced to the perpetrators of the crime. The funds can then be used without arousing suspicion.
People launder money in many different ways. Cybercrime money laundering is carried out through the use of computers and information technologies.
Common Cyber Crime Money Laundering Methods
Technology is always evolving, and people are constantly devising new ways to launder money through computers and the internet. Below are three common methods of cybercrime money laundering in Frisco, Texas.
- Micropayments
Micropayments are a popular method of cybercrime money laundering. Thousands of small electronic payments are sent through online platforms such as PayPal. Because the payments are small, they avoid triggering alerts and are hard to detect.
- Cryptocurrency
Unlike traditional currencies, central banks and governments do not regulate cryptocurrencies, and some currencies, such as Monero and Zcash, are designed to be truly anonymous. Launderers move the dirty money through the cryptocurrency system using mixer, tumbler, and chain hopping methods. Governments have begun to contract with crypto-analytics firms to track down money launders using the cryptocurrency system.
- Gaming Currencies
Money launderers can convert stolen funds into gaming currencies or in-game purchases through covert interactions with other players. These funds are then exchanged for bitcoin or converted into different electronic formats. Popular games for laundering money include Minecraft, FIFA, World of Warcraft, and GTA 5.
What are the Texas Laws on Money Laundering?
Under Texas law, it is illegal to conduct, supervise, or facilitate transactions involving the proceeds of criminal activity. The law also penalizes the activity of anyone who is alleged to have invested or financed illegal activity.
For the purposes of this statute, criminal activity means a felony under Texas law or federal law. It also includes crimes under the laws of any other state punishable by more than one year in prison. It is not necessary that you know the specifics of the criminal activity. However, you must believe that that the funds are connected to criminal activity to be prosecuted for money laundering in Frisco.
Money laundering is a felony in Texas. The charges increase in severity based on the amount of money.
- $2,500 to $30,000: state jail felony punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- $30,000 to $150,000: 3rd-degree felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- $150,000 to $300,000: 2nd-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- $300,000 and higher: 1st-degree felony punishable by up to life or 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
You can also be prosecuted for related cybercrime charges at the same time.
What are the Federal Laws on Money Laundering?
Money laundering is also a federal crime. You can be prosecuted if you conduct or attempt to conduct a financial transaction that involves the proceeds of unlawful activity. The law is broken down into three categories: 1) domestic money laundering, 2) international money laundering, and 3) undercover money laundering transactions.
Violations are punished severely. You can face up to twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of money that was laundered, whichever is greater.
What is Civil Asset Forfeiture?
In addition to criminal charges, you could also face civil asset forfeiture if you are accused of money laundering in Frisco. Civil asset forfeiture is a tool used by Texas law enforcement to seize money and property if it was allegedly used in connection with criminal activity. Between 2003 and 2012, Texas law enforcement agencies confiscated approximately $486 million in asset forfeiture cases.
The government can seize your property even if you are not convicted of money laundering. Prosecutors only need to prove that the property is subject to forfeiture by a preponderance of the evidence. This burden is a lower standard than criminal cases, which require proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Your Frisco Criminal Defense Attorney
Philip D. Ray is an experienced criminal defense attorney helping the residents of Frisco, Texas. If you are facing cybercrime money laundering charges, we encourage you to call our office today at (469) 588-6770 to schedule a consultation.