U.S. Marshals to Auction Notable 43.51 Carat Yellow Diamond that Belonged to Convicted Money Launderer Paul Monea

World-Renowned, Internally Flawless Yellow Diamond to be Auctioned Online

Cleveland, OH – A flawless, 43.51 carat yellow diamond will be sold via a U.S. Marshals online auction starting Sept. 6. The notable diamond appears on lists of the top diamonds in the world.

The diamond was seized during an FBI undercover investigation in 2006 that resulted in the conviction of Paul Monea for money laundering. Monea is serving time in an Ohio federal prison with a scheduled release date in 2018. The diamond was initially forfeited to the government by a district court judge in 2007. Legal claims delayed the process until March, when the final forfeiture was ordered and the U.S. Marshals Service became responsible for selling the diamond, with proceeds to be deposited into the U.S. Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture fund. “This precious gem is sure to generate interest worldwide,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio.

The Gemological Institute of America graded the diamond and reported the following (GIA report 15154097):

Shape and cutting style: Modified rectangular brilliant

Measurements: 25.65 x 18.06 x 10.78 mm

Carat weight: 43.51

Color: Fancy intense yellow with a natural origin

Distribution: Even

Clarity grade: Internally flawless

Auction dates are Sept. 6-8.The minimum bid is $900,000, and a refundable deposit of $180,000 is required in order to place a bid.

For more information on the auction, go to

www.bid4assets.com/auction/index.cfm?auctionid=504373 or

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEMlNWZj3Gg.

The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for managing and selling seized and forfeited properties acquired by federal criminals through illegal activities. Proceeds generated from asset sales are used to compensate victims, supplement funding for law enforcement initiatives and support community programs.