Money laundering charges concern specified transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activity. A foreign account or shell company is not required, and moving money does not automatically prove an offense.
Different statutes, different elements
The Florida Money Laundering Act, section 896.101, defines several prohibited transactions and related terms. Some provisions require knowledge that property represents proceeds of some felony activity and a further purpose such as promotion or concealment; other provisions and thresholds differ. Florida’s definition of “knowing” has additional wording for certain currency transactions over $10,000. The exact subsection charged matters.
Federal 18 U.S.C. § 1956 includes distinct theories involving financial transactions or transportation of proceeds with specified intent or knowledge. 18 U.S.C. § 1957 addresses certain monetary transactions in criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000; it does not require a concealment purpose, but its other elements and jurisdictional conditions must be proved. The old article’s “at least $10,000” wording was inaccurate.
What evidence matters?
Investigators may examine the source of funds, account records, transfers, communications, business purpose, and the person’s knowledge. A domestic bank account can be involved, while a lawful foreign account is not by itself money laundering. A lawyer can test the alleged predicate activity and each charged element. Roy J. Kahn, P.A. handles Miami white collar defense matters. No outcome is guaranteed.
This is general information, not legal advice.
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