INTERPOL Washington Helps Take Down International Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

INTERPOL Washington partnered with U.S. and international law enforcement agencies to bring down four multi-million dollar international fraud and money laundering schemes perpetrated by a transnational organized crime network.  In a March 1st, news conference announcing the indictment of 19 individuals, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Channing D. Phillips lauded the contributions of and coordination between U.S. and international law enforcement partners.

Sixteen of the 19 defendants were arrested overnight and today in a law enforcement operation coordinated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Another was previously arrested, and two remain at large. The arrests took place in New York and Los Angeles, as well as Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, and Israel. The arrests were conducted by more than 50 law enforcement agents.

INTERPOL Washington began providing support for these cases in 2015. Information gleaned through various INTERPOL and other database queries, participation in operational case meetings and conference calls, as well as processing of multiple routine and urgent notices by INTERPOL Washington contributed to the successful investigations.

 “These indictments and today’s arrests followed an international investigation into an interconnected web of money launderers, fraudsters and individuals that aided and abetted their criminal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Phillips. “The defendants in the cases being unsealed today are accused of taking part in schemes in the United States and abroad, costing victims millions of dollars. The investigation demonstrates the importance of international cooperation amongst law enforcement in combatting fraud and money laundering on a global basis.”