Federal Charges for Transnational Money Laundering

 Posted on June 29, 2025 in Federal Crimes

When federal prosecutors pursue money laundering charges at the highest levels, they often do so with major investigations into organized criminal enterprises. These cases involve not only hiding huge sums of illegal funds, but also allegations of drug trafficking, racketeering, and violent crimes committed to protect or expand the operation. 

If you have been charged with transnational money laundering, you are facing some of the most serious federal criminal penalties in the federal system. A skilled Chicagoת IL federal criminal defense attorney can help you understand what is at stake and how to build a strong defense.

What Is Transnational Money Laundering?

Transnational money laundering is the movement of illegal money across borders with the intent to disguise where it came from. It often involves multiple countries, shell companies, cryptocurrency transactions, and large-scale financial schemes. The goal is to "clean" the money, or transform it into funds that appear legitimate.

Whenever they can, federal prosecutors will say that the laundered money came from drug sales, human trafficking, weapons smuggling, or fraud. The more complex the operation, the more likely it is to be brought with charges beyond just money laundering.

What Federal Laws Apply in Transnational Money Laundering Cases?

Prosecutors may pursue several overlapping charges in large-scale money laundering cases:

• 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and § 1957 (Money Laundering Statutes): These laws make it illegal to engage in financial transactions involving money from unlawful activities, such as drug trafficking or fraud. Penalties can include up to 20 years in prison per count.

• 21 U.S.C. § 848 (Continuing Criminal Enterprise – CCE): This statute targets people who act as organizers or supervisors of long-term drug trafficking networks involving five or more people. A conviction under the CCE statute often carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and can include life in prison if you are the head of a criminal organization or are linked to murder. 

• 18 U.S.C. § 1962 (RICO Act): The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act allows prosecutors to charge someone with a pattern of criminal conduct connected to an enterprise. Money laundering, homicide, drug sales, and fraud are all predicate offenses that can trigger RICO liability. Penalties include forfeiture of assets and up to 20 years per count.

• 18 U.S.C. § 1952 (Travel Act): This statute criminalizes the use of interstate or foreign travel to carry out or facilitate unlawful activity, including money laundering and drug trafficking.

When federal authorities pursue these cases, they often involve several agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and IRS, and rely on international cooperation and surveillance. Prosecutors also use informants, bugged communications, and financial records to get evidence about alleged schemes.

What Happens When Money Laundering Is Tied to Violence?

In many cases, transnational laundering is connected to violent acts. If prosecutors believe that money laundering activity was linked to a homicide, whether to protect the organization, silence witnesses, or eliminate rivals, this can make charges much harsher. Federal law allows homicide to serve as an aggravating factor in both RICO and CCE prosecutions.

A murder linked to a continuing criminal enterprise can result in mandatory life imprisonment or even the death penalty in rare cases. Even without a murder charge, any evidence of violence or threats may influence the severity of sentencing.

How Can a Great Defense Lawyer Fight Money Laundering Charges?

Ironically, the complexity of federal money laundering cases gives defense attorneys multiple options to challenge the government’s case. A strong defense strategy might involve:

• Challenging the admissibility of surveillance, financial records, or communications

• Arguing lack of knowledge or intent, particularly if you were not directly involved in the illegal activity

• Exposing flaws in the government’s use of informants or cooperating witnesses

• Showing that the financial transactions were lawful or unrelated to criminal activity

These defenses require deep knowledge of federal criminal procedure and experience fighting against powerful federal agencies. At Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, that is exactly what we give each client. 

Contact a Chicago, IL Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal money laundering charges, especially those tied to international criminal organizations, carry severe penalties. They need a serious, sophisticated defense from a fearless lawyer who understands how prosecutors work. 

At Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, we give aggressive representation to people facing major federal charges in Illinois. If you are accused of money laundering, RICO violations, or running a criminal enterprise, call 312-629-0669 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Chicago, IL federal criminal defense attorney.