Money Laundering

Money laundering charges arise when the government alleges that a person or entity has concealed, transferred, or disguised the proceeds of unlawful activity in order to make those proceeds appear legitimate. Such charges frequently accompany other alleged offenses — such as fraud, corruption, sanctions violations, or drug trafficking — and they carry severe potential consequences in their own right, including substantial prison terms and the forfeiture of assets.

Federal money laundering statutes are broad. They reach not only those who directly handle illicit funds but also those who structure transactions, move money through financial institutions, or facilitate transfers with knowledge of the underlying conduct. That breadth means that individuals and businesses can find themselves facing money laundering allegations based on conduct that may not have appeared problematic at the time — including ordinary banking or business activity that prosecutors characterize as designed to conceal.

Ford O’Brien Landy LLP defends individuals and entities facing money laundering investigations and charges. We represent clients across a range of contexts — from financial institutions and executives to entrepreneurs and intermediaries — in proceedings brought by the DOJ, FinCEN, OFAC, and other agencies. Money laundering allegations increasingly arise in connection with digital asset activity. For a more detailed discussion of our work in that area, see our Digital Asset Compliance and Regulatory Defense page. We coordinate defense strategy across the criminal, civil, and regulatory dimensions of these cases. And where asset forfeiture is at issue, we work to protect our clients’ property throughout the process.

Contact us to learn how we can help.