Former Angers president in custody in money laundering case
April 4, 2023 GMTANGERS, France (AP) — Former Angers president Said Chabane has been taken into custody to be questioned as part of an investigation into money laundering, according to French media reports Tuesday.
DiCaprio testifies in money-laundering case of Fugees rapper
April 3, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Movie star Leonardo DiCaprio testified in federal court Monday morning as part of a trial involving international money laundering, bribery and a prominent rap artist.
Prakazrel “Pras” Michel — a founding member of the iconic 1990s hip-hop group, The Fugees — is accused of funneling money from a fugitive Malaysian financer through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
Man accused of laundering more than $35M in fraud schemes
February 23, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A Rhode Island man has been charged with using his accounting and consulting businesses as a front to launder more than $35 million in internet fraud schemes.
The 73-year-old man from Cranston is accused of founding dozens of shell companies in the United States and using them to open business bank accounts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the U.S.
Ex-Maldives leader gets 11 years for money laundering, bribe
December 25, 2022 GMTMALE, Maldives (AP) — A court in Maldives on Sunday found the former president guilty of money laundering and accepting a bribe and sentenced him to 11 years in prison.
The Criminal Court of Maldives also ordered Abdulla Yameen to pay a fine of $5 million.
US judge rejects Maduro ally’s claim of diplomatic immunity
December 24, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — A federal judge in Miami on Friday rejected attempts by a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to shield himself from criminal charges, ruling Alex Saab isn't entitled to diplomatic immunity in the U.S.
Jury finds Hugo Chavez’s ex-nurse guilty of money laundering
December 13, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — The former nurse of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been found guilty of money laundering in connection to bribes paid by a billionaire media mogul to green light lucrative currency transactions when she served as the country's national treasurer.
Judge orders Guatemalan newspaper chief to stand trial
December 9, 2022 GMTGUATEMALA CITY (AP) — The director of a Guatemalan investigative newspaper will stand trial on charges of money laundering, influence peddling and blackmail, a judge ruled Thursday.
José Rubén Zamora of El Periodico has been held for four months amid criticism that his arrest was politically motivated by an administration interested in silencing critical journalists.
Man goes to trial on charges he ran unlicensed bitcoin biz
December 6, 2022 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire man accused of running an unlicensed bitcoin exchange business catered to romance and imposter scammers who conned their victims into wiring him money that he shared as virtual currency with the criminals after taking his cut, a prosecutor alleged during opening statements in his trial Tuesday.
Ex-Miami US Rep. David Rivera arrested in Venezuela probe
December 6, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A former Miami congressman who signed a $50 million consulting contract with Venezuela’s socialist government was arrested Monday on charges of money laundering and representing a foreign government without registering.
FBI says fugitive has been extradited from Mexico to Tucson
December 5, 2022 GMTTUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A fugitive wanted for his involvement in a criminal drug enterprise has been extradited from Mexico and returned to Tucson, but his wife and another co-conspirator remain at large, according to the FBI.
South Africa’s ruling party stands by leader despite scandal
December 5, 2022 GMTJOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party says it will vote against any attempts to impeach President Cyril Ramaphosa in Parliament on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa has taken legal action on Monday to challenge the parliamentary report that suggested he may have broken anti-corruption laws by having a large sum of dollars at his Phala Phala farm and not reporting its theft.
UK arrests wealthy Russian as police target Putin enablers
December 3, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — British authorities have arrested a wealthy Russian businessman on suspicion of money laundering, amid efforts to disrupt potential criminal activity by oligarchs and others linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
DEA’s most corrupt agent: Parties, sex amid ‘unwinnable war’
December 1, 2022 GMTSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — José Irizarry accepts that he’s known as the most corrupt agent in U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration history, admitting he “became another man” in conspiring with Colombian cartels to build a lavish lifestyle of expensive sports cars, Tiffany jewels and paramours around the world.
Guatemala’s El Periodico newspaper stops print edition
November 30, 2022 GMTGUATEMALA CITY (AP) — The prominent Guatemalan investigative newspaper “El Periodico” announced Wednesday that it is stopping its print edition, after the government arrested the paper’s president.
US: 2 Estonians arrested in $575M cryptocurrency fraud
November 22, 2022 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — Police in Estonia have arrested two men accused in a $575 million cryptocurrency fraud, U.S. authorities said Monday.
Documents show big foreign gov’t spending at Trump hotel
November 15, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The Trump hotel in Washington took in more than $750,000 from six foreign governments at sensitive moments in their U.S. relations, with guests spending as much as $10,000 per room a night, according to documents from the Trump family company's former accountants released Monday by a congressional committee.
Venezuela’s bid to save ‘diplomat’ from US charges takes hit
November 8, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — For two years, Venezuela's socialist government has fought to extricate from the U.S. criminal justice system an insider businessman it claims was on an ultra-secret mission to ally Iran when he was arrested on a U.S.
Germany: Banks searched in money laundering probe of Russian
November 8, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Police raided two branches of Swiss bank UBS in Germany in connection with alleged money laundering by a Russian businessman, German officials and media said Tuesday.
‘Hushpuppi’ gets prison term for money laundering conspiracy
November 8, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A Nigerian social media influencer who called himself Ray Hushpuppi and flaunted a lavish lifestyle fueled by his efforts to launder millions of stolen dollars was sentenced Monday in Los Angeles to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Danske Bank books $1.9 bln provision to settle Estonia case
October 27, 2022 GMTHELSINKI (AP) — Danish lender Danske Bank said on Thursday that it would book a 14 billion Danish kroner ($1.9 billion) provision in the third quarter for impending fines related to the bank’s involvement in a massive money laundering scandal in the Baltic nation of Estonia.
Peru orders release of president’s sister-in-law
October 24, 2022 GMTLIMA, Peru (AP) — A court in Peru on Monday ordered the release of the sister-in-law of President Pedro Castillo almost two months after she was imprisoned while being investigated for her participation in an alleged money laundering scheme involving the president and first lady.
Myanmar downplays blacklisting by money laundering watchdog
October 24, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s central bank has promised improvements and warned against currency manipulation after an international watchdog put the military-controlled country on a terrorism and financial crimes blacklist.
Ex-official in Bolivia pleads guilty in US for bribes
October 20, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Bolivia's former interior minister pleaded guilty on Thursday to conspiracy to launder bribes that a Florida-based company paid him in exchange for helping it secure a contract to provide tear gas to the Bolivian government, said the U.S.
7 charged, accused of harassing Chinese national in US
October 20, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Federal authorities in New York charged seven people Thursday, including five in the People's Republic of China, with a campaign of harassment against a Chinese national and his family living in the U.S., trying to force him to return home.
New Orleans pastor admits defrauding church, school of $900K
October 19, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — A well-known Baptist minister in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for more than 30 years has admitted defrauding his church, its housing ministries, his congregations and a charter school of almost $900,000.
Pakistani court acquits PM, son in money laundering case
October 12, 2022 GMTLAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A Pakistani court Wednesday acquitted Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his son of corruption and money laundering charges filed in 2020, a defense lawyer said.
Sharif and his son Hamza, the former chief minister of Punjab province, were charged during the administration of former prime minister Imran Khan.
In Denmark, Syrian man gets 3 years for money laundering
October 11, 2022 GMTCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A Danish court convicted a 29-year-old Syrian man Tuesday of money laundering and sentenced him to three years in prison after he smuggled 74 million kroner (nearly $10 million) to neighboring Sweden.
Judge expects Steve Bannon’s wall fraud trial in Nov. 2023
October 4, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Steve Bannon’s trial on charges he defrauded donors who gave money to build a wall on the U.S. southern border might not happen until late next year, a judge said Tuesday.
Judge Juan Manuel Merchan said he anticipates Bannon, former President Donald Trump’s longtime ally, will go to trial in November 2023 — about a year before the 2024 presidential election.
Former Kentucky lawmaker sentenced to prison in fraud case
October 4, 2022 GMTLONDON, Ky. (AP) — Former Kentucky lawmaker Robert Goforth was sentenced Monday to two years and one month in federal prison for health care fraud and money laundering.
Goforth, who resigned from the Kentucky House in 2021, also faces two years of supervised release, media outlets reported.
Romance scammer gets 25 years in prison for money laundering
October 3, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia man found guilty of laundering millions of dollars accrued by online fraud, including scamming vulnerable people on dating websites, was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison.
South Africa’s Ramaphosa denies money-laundering allegations
September 29, 2022 GMTJOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa denied allegations of money laundering while being questioned by lawmakers Thursday over a scandal that threatens his position and the direction of Africa's most developed economy.
German police raid yacht linked to Russian oligarch
September 27, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — More than 60 police officers raided a luxury yacht in northern Germany linked to a Russian businessman in connection with alleged breaches of sanctions and money laundering rules, officials said Tuesday.
California man sentenced to 4 years for COVID-19 loan fraud
September 26, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A Southern California man was sentenced Monday to four years in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $5 million in COVID-relief loans for three shell companies, prosecutors said.
Germany raids 24 properties linked to Putin ally Usmanov
September 21, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — About 250 police officers have raided two dozen properties across Germany linked to Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, in connection with alleged breaches of sanctions and money laundering rules, officials said Wednesday.
Spain arrests 32 allegedly linked to Italy’s ’ndrangheta mob
September 20, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Spain has arrested 32 members of an organized crime group linked to the Italian ’ndrangheta mafia for alleged ties to large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering, Europol said Tuesday.
Judge indicts 19 in yoga sect that used sex to lure powerful
September 8, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — A judge in Argentina indicted 19 people on Thursday for their alleged involvement in a yoga school in Buenos Aires that operated like a sect and coerced female members to have sex with rich and powerful men in order to obtain money and other benefits.
Woman pleads guilty in ex-con’s plot against college women
September 7, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A New York woman on Wednesday admitted to laundering money made from an ex-convict’s plot to extort and force into labor or prostitution some women he met at his daughter’s on-campus housing at Sarah Lawrence College.
Woman sentenced in WVa for scamming money from elderly
August 31, 2022 GMTCLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — A Nevada woman has been sentenced in West Virginia to more than seven years in prison for scamming money from elderly residents.
Shelly Leipham of Las Vegas also was ordered to pay $336,000 Monday in federal court for her conviction in April on charges of money laundering and wire and mail fraud.
Peru judge: preventative prison for president’s relative
August 29, 2022 GMTLIMA, Peru (AP) — A Peruvian judge on Sunday ordered President Pedro Castillo's sister-in-law to be held in prison up to 2.5 years while she is investigated for criminal association and corruption for her participation in an alleged money laundering scheme involving the president and first lady.
Maryland man charged with money laundering in romance scam
August 27, 2022 GMTGREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A Maryland man is facing federal money laundering charges related to an international romance scam.
Federal prosecutors announced that a criminal complaint has been filed against Charles K.
Former Tennessee Speaker Casada arrested in corruption probe
August 23, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's disgraced former House Speaker Glen Casada and his top aide were arrested Tuesday on federal charges including bribery, kickbacks and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Georgia man gets 130-month prison term for romance fraud
August 18, 2022 GMTTUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A Georgia man has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for his role in an international romance fraud scheme, according to authorities in Arizona.
Federal prosecutors announced Thursday that 47-year-old Onovughe Ighorhiohwunu, of Kennesaw, received a 130-month prison term last week for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Russian brought to Oregon, faces trial in ransomware attacks
August 18, 2022 GMTSALEM, Ore. (AP) — A Russian who allegedly laundered more than $400,000 from ransomware attacks in the United States and abroad was extradited from the Netherlands to face trial in federal court in Portland, authorities said Wednesday.
Ex-congressman from California arrested, charged with fraud
August 16, 2022 GMTFRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A former U.S. Congressman from central California was arrested Tuesday by federal agents on wire fraud, money laundering, and campaign contribution fraud charges stemming from “multiple fraud schemes,” federal prosecutors said.
Feds: Man defrauded pandemic programs of more than $300K
August 16, 2022 GMTBANGOR, Maine (AP) — A man pleaded guilty Tuesday to defrauding federal pandemic assistance programs of more than $300,000, which investigators say was spent on trucks, exercise equipment, a big-screen TV and laptop computers.
Feds: 9 indicted in Mafia-led racket, including detective
August 16, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Federal authorities say they have busted an organized crime racket reminiscent of the Mafia’s heyday, involving illegal gambling parlors in New York City and Long Island and a police detective accused of helping to protect the lucrative schemes.
Drug dealer who bribed DEA agent gets 11+ years in prison
August 16, 2022 GMTJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A convicted California drug trafficker who paid bribes to a corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration agent has been sentenced by a Florida judge to more than 11 years in federal prison.
7 accused in $1.2M extortion scheme at Puerto Rico docks
August 15, 2022 GMTSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Federal authorities on Monday arrested seven people including a union leader and various dock workers accused in a $1.2 million extortion scheme that targeted shipping companies.
Judge revokes bond for Alex Murdaugh associate Smith
August 11, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A judge revoked house arrest Thursday for the man authorities say agreed to kill disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh so he could get a life insurance settlement for Murdaugh's son but ended up just grazing his head with a bullet.
UAE overturns prison sentence for former Khashoggi attorney
August 10, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday overturned a three-year prison sentence for an American citizen who had represented slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, one of his lawyers and the Emirati judicial department said.
Former Twitter worker convicted of spying for Saudi Arabia
August 9, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A former Twitter employee has been convicted of failing to register as an agent for Saudi Arabia and other charges after accessing private data on users critical of the kingdom’s government in a spy case that spanned from Silicon Valley to the Middle East.
Guatemalan journalist calls charges against him a ‘set-up’
August 4, 2022 GMTGUATEMALA CITY (AP) — A prominent Guatemalan journalist’s initial hearing before a judge was suspended Wednesday when the judge announced that the defendant’s lawyers were also targets of the government’s investigation.
Mexico’s attorney general investigating ex-president
August 2, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday that it has opened several lines of investigation against former President Enrique Peña Nieto, several weeks after the country’s anti-money laundering agency accused the former leader of handling millions of dollars in possibly illegal funds.
Guatemalan journalist known for investigations still jailed
August 1, 2022 GMTGUATEMALA CITY (AP) — A prize-winning Guatemalan journalist jailed on alleged money laundering charges that government critics have denounced as a pressure tactic has faced consequences for his work before.
Virginia lawmakers urge action on behalf of detained lawyer
July 31, 2022 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Thirty Virginia legislators called on the Biden administration Saturday to take action on behalf of Asim Ghafoor, a friend and former lawyer of slain dissident Jamal Khashoggi who's been imprisoned by the United Arab Emirates.
Arrest of prominent Guatemalan journalist draws condemnation
July 30, 2022 GMTGUATEMALA CITY (AP) — A prominent Guatemalan newspaper editor who has overseen investigations into corruption has been arrested, prompting denunciations Saturday by politicians, anticorruption activists and civic groups.
3 others charged in Hawaii affordable housing scheme
July 26, 2022 GMTHONOLULU (AP) — Two Hawaii attorneys and a businessman helped an ex-county official pull off a years-long, nearly $11-million affordable housing scheme, U.S. authorities said Monday.
Alan Rudo, who was a Housing and Community Development Specialist on the Big Island, pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
Film producer pleads guilty in fraud investment scams
July 22, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A movie producer has pleaded guilty to several counts of fraud and money laundering arising from his fraudulent promotion of two cryptocurrency investment schemes, federal prosecutors said.
Man gets nearly 22 years for $60M film finance fraud scheme
July 22, 2022 GMTFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — An Oklahoma man claiming to be a film financier has been sentenced in Florida to nearly 22 years in federal prison for participating in a scheme to steal more than $60 million from investors and producers seeking financing for movies and Broadway shows.
US places former Paraguayan president on corruption list
July 22, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — A former president of Paraguay who has been investigated for his alleged participation in money laundering operations was included on Friday on a U.S. corruption list.
The Department of State announced the designation of former President Horacio Manuel Cartes “for his involvement in significant corruption”.