Jcl S Forex Handels Gruppe Minnesota

Ihre Zukunft hängt von Kauf Physical Gold 038 Silber Ihre Zukunft hängt von Kauf Physical Gold 038 Silber In einigen Reichtum Gebäude Kreise werden die Anleger informiert, um aus der Währung zu ziehen und ihr Geld in Gold und Silber und andere harte Vermögenswerte und Rohstoffe. Nun, da Ben Bernanke und die Bundesrepublik, Mario Draghi und die EZB, und diese Woche BOJ haben alle auf QE unendlich begonnen Menschen beginnen zu erkennen, dieses Druckgeld aus der dünnen Luft kann ewig dauern und der unvermeidliche Zusammenbruch des Dollars ist nah . Ja, Gold ist Geld Der Fall für den Kauf Physisches Gold. Die Analysten der Deutschen Bank, Daniel Brebner und Xiao Fu, haben soeben einen neuen Bericht veröffentlicht, in dem gesagt wird, Gold sei Geld (via Business Insider): Während es im Warenkorb enthalten ist, handelt es sich um ein Tauschmittel, das offiziell anerkannt wird Öffentlich als solche genutzt). Wir sehen Gold als offiziell anerkannte Form von Geld für einen Hauptgrund: Es ist weit von den meisten der Welten größeren Zentralbanken als Bestandteil der Reserven gehalten. Wir würden jedoch weiter gehen und argumentieren, dass Gold als gutes Geld im Gegensatz zu schlechtem Geld, das durch viele der heutigen Fiat-Währungen repräsentiert werden könnte charakterisiert werden könnte. Bei der Beschreibung von Gold als solchem ​​verweisen wir auf Greshams Law, wenn eine Regierung eine Art von Geld überbewertet und ein anderes unterbewertet, das unterbewertete Geld (gut) das Land verlassen oder aus der Zirkulation in Horden verschwinden wird, während das überbewertete Geld (schlecht) in die Zirkulation übergehen wird . Aus unserer Sicht muss das ideale Tauschmittel das Gleichgewicht zwischen dem Paradoxon der Wertdarstellung und dem kleinen Eigenwert selbst bilden. Es gibt sehr wenige Medien, die dies tun können. Fiat-Währungen haben physisch keinen Gebrauch außer dem, was ihnen von der Regierung vorgeschrieben und von der Öffentlichkeit akzeptiert wird. Diese Fiat-Währungen kostet wenig zu produzieren ist von einer sekundären Sorge und wir glauben, ganz irrelevant für den primären Zweck. Gold ist weder Produktionsgut noch Konsum gut. Schmuck, den wir als eine Form der Lagerung oder des Hortens sehen (die Leute von Portugal haben alle ihre persönlichen Goldvorräte erschöpft, die in Form von Schmuck gehortet worden sind, der sie umgewandelt hat, um die Krise zu überstehen). Wenn Gold eine sinnvolle kommerzielle Nutzung hat, glauben wir, dass es das Metall weniger attraktiv machen würde als ein Medium des Austausches, da der Wert des Metalls in dem Markt, in dem es verwendet wurde, periodisch die Wechselwirkungsrolle beeinträchtigen könnte Wichtig natürlich bei der Erfüllung der Anforderungen für gutes Geld: Unzerstörbarkeit, Teilbarkeit, Transportfähigkeit und universelle Akzeptanz. Sie sind nicht allein Weltbankpräsident Robert Zoellick wies in 2010 darauf hin: Obwohl Lehrbücher Gold als das alte Geld sehen können, verwenden Märkte Gold heute als einen alternativen monetären Vermögenswert. Der ehemalige Fed-Vorsitzende Alan Greenspan sagte im Jahr 2009: Goldpreise, die über 1.000 Unzen in dieser Woche gesprungen sind, signalisieren, dass Investoren Metalle kaufen, um gegen Rückgänge in Währungen abzusichern, sagte der frühere US-Notenbankchef Alan Greenspan. Die Gewinne sind streng ein monetäres Phänomen, sagte Greenspan heute auf einer Investitionstagung in New York. Steigende Preise für Edelmetalle und andere Rohstoffe sind ein Zeichen für eine sehr frühe Phase eines Bestrebens, sich von Papierwährungen zu entfernen, sagte er. Was faszinierend ist, ist das Ausmaß, in dem Gold nach wie vor die Herrschaft über das Finanzsystem als letzte Zahlungsquelle hat , Sagte Greenspan. Und wir haben im Jahr 2010 festgestellt: Alan Greenspan sagte dem Council of Foreign Relations letzte Woche: Fiat Geld hat keinen Platz zu gehen, aber Gold. Greenspan sagte auch, dass Angebot und Nachfrage Erklärungen Behandlung von Gold wie andere Rohstoffe einfach dont pan. Greenspan sprach auch davon, dass die Alliierten, die nach Nordafrika gegangen waren, darüber sprachen, dass Gold bei der Zahlung von Bestechungsgeldern bestand, und sagte: Wenn alle Währungen zusammen oder aufwärts gehen, ist die Frage: relativ zu dem, was Gold ist Der Kanarienvogel im Kohlenbergwerk. Es signalisiert Probleme in Bezug auf Devisenmärkte. Zentralbanken sollten darauf achten. Der ehemalige Chef Merrill Lynch Ökonom David Rosenberg schrieb im März: Die beste Währung kann physische Gold Phoenix Capital Research argumentiert, dass die Zentralbanken sind selbst verladen auf Gold, weil sie wissen, dass die gesamte Fiat Money Betrug bald zusammenbrechen wird. Tatsächlich. Es ist Fiat-Währung und nicht Gold, das in einer Blase ist. Wie Bond König Bill Gross sagte vor kurzem: Gold kann nicht reproduziert werden. Es konnte sicherlich aus dem Boden in einer steigenden Rate genommen werden, aber theres eine limitierende Menge an Gold. Und es gab eine unbegrenzte Menge an Papiergeld in den letzten 20 bis 30 Jahren und jetzt in diesem Zeitraum der Zentralbankerweiterung, wo seine QE1 oder QE2, oder ob seine LTROs der EZB oder dieses potenzielle neue Programm dann Zentralbanken sind Ihre Freizeit im Grunde Geld drucken. Gold ist eine feste Ware, die einen beträchtlichen Wert an Wert hat, den das Papiergeld nicht hat. Wenn eine Zentralbank beginnt, Schecks zu schreiben und Geld in den Billionen von Dollar zu drucken, ist es am besten, etwas Greifbares zu haben, das nicht reproduziert werden kann, wie Gold. Vergessen Sie die Theorie Menschen tatsächlich akzeptieren Gold als Geld Aber vergessen Sie alle Theorie. Sind die Menschen tatsächlich akzeptieren Gold als Geld Utah hat Goldmünzen erklärt, um Geld zu sein. CNN berichtete im Februar: Eine wachsende Zahl von Staaten sucht glänzende neue Währungen aus Silber und Gold. Besorgt, dass die Federal Reserve und der US-Dollar am Rande des Zusammenbruchs sind, sind die Gesetzgeber aus 13 Staaten, darunter Minnesota, Tennessee, Iowa, South Carolina und Georgien, die Genehmigung von ihren Regierungen, entweder ihre eigene alternative Währung oder erkunden sie als eine Option. Anders als einzelne Gemeinschaften, denen erlaubt wird, ihre eigene Währung zu schaffen, solange sie leicht von US-Dollar unterscheidbar ist, verbietet die Verfassung Staaten vom Drucken ihres eigenen Papiergeldes oder der Ausstellung ihrer eigenen Währung. Aber es erlaubt den Staaten, Gold und Silber Münze ein Angebot in Zahlung von Schulden zu machen. Financial Times berichtete im Jahr 2010: Intercontinental Exchange, die US-Futures-Exchange-Gruppe, verfolgte die konkurrierende CME-Gruppe, indem sie ihrer europäischen Clearing-Stelle Goldbullion als Sicherheit für Transaktionen akzeptieren konnte. JP Morgan akzeptiert Goldbarren als Sicherheiten. So auch Donald Trump. China zahlt für Öl mit Gold. Indien ist wahrscheinlich auch so. Und Zentralbanken erwägen, Banken erlauben, Gold als ein risikofreies, Stufe 1 Vermögen zu halten. Vorbehalte. Seien Sie vorsichtig mit nicht zugewiesenen Konten, Konten von großen Banken gehalten. Papierformen aus Gold und Wolfram (siehe dieses, dieses und dieses). Schließlich ist zu beachten, dass FDR nicht der einzige Führer war, um Gold zu beschlagnahmen. In der Yuan-Dynastie sechs Jahrhunderte zuvor 8211 in einem Versuch, ihre Fiat-Währung voranzutreiben und zu verhindern, dass die Inflation zu vermeiden 8211 die chinesische Regierung versucht, alle Transaktionen in oder Besitz von Silber oder Gold zu verbieten, die an die Regierung übergeben werden musste. China hat seitdem den Besitz von Silber mehrfach verboten und hat gerade das jüngste Verbot aufgehoben. Ja, Silber ist Geld Der Fall für den Kauf Physical Silver. Die erste Reaktion ist, physisches Gold zu kaufen. Es war für mich. Sobald ich verstehe, wie Gold-Amp-Silber Geld und Papier-Währung wird abgewertet und meine Meinung geändert, um ein Käufer von echten Behauptungen zu werden, nach der Fortsetzung meiner Forschung habe ich gelernt, dass physische Silber schaut, um eine bessere Investition für mein Geld als Gold zu sein. Silber ist eine industrielle Medaille, die der beste Dirigent der Elektrizität in der Welt ist. Ihr Computer und iPhone alle verwenden es und es ist tatsächlich seltener als Gold. Infographic by theSilverBomb Jetzt let8217s Blick auf Chris Duane, um den Fall für warum Silber ist eine bessere Investition als Gold und warum sollten Sie den Kauf physischen Silber in den Bericht 8220The Silver Bullet und die Silver Shield8221, die den besten Bericht über Silber in Der letzten zehn Jahre. Ich habe es oft gesehen und so sollten Sie. Die Frage Remains8230 Ist es eine gute Zeit, Gold-Amp-Silber jetzt kaufen, oder besser sollten wir kaufen Gold und Silber jeden Monat für den unvermeidlichen Zusammenbruch des Dollars vorbereitet Let8217s diskutieren diese zusammen. Begleiten Sie die Konversation in den Kommentaren unten. Die Fragen bleiben. Ist es eine gute Zeit, Gold-Amp-Silber jetzt kaufen, oder besser sollten wir kaufen Gold und Silber jeden Monat, um für den unvermeidlichen Zusammenbruch des Dollar vorzubereiten Die Nachfrage kommt von den Zentralbanken. Sie kaufen viel davon. Gefolgt von Menschen aus Ländern wie Indien und jetzt China. In den Staaten beginnen die Menschen, den Wert der Speicherung ihres Reichtums (was auch immer das ist) in Gold zu sehen. Eine andere Lehman Art von Ereignis könnte den Preis der kostbaren Medaillen unten scharf wie im Jahr 2008 senden. Langfristig wegen der Zentralbankpolitik, zum aller Papierscheinwährung durch kontinuierliches Gelddrucken zu zerstören. Persönlich kaufe ich regelmäßig grundsätzlich Kosten Mittelung nicht Timing auf Zeit der Markt glaube, es ist wirklich schwer, diese Art der Sache zu tun. Schauen, um eine beträchtliche Position zu kaufen, sollte ein finanzielles Ereignis eintreten, das den Goldpreis und das Silber herab scharf glaubt, daß es ein temporäres Ereignis sein würde und daß kostbare Medaillen im wesentlichen während der Währungsabwertung gewinnen werden. Dies sind meine Gedanken zu helfen Sie beginnen zu sehen, warum Besitz von kostbaren Medaillen speziell Gold und Silber notwendig ist. Es ist Geld, und es wird Sie vor einer abwertenden Währung Politik wie die Zentralbanken auf der ganzen Welt derzeit zu schützen. Zuerst von allen gibt es nicht goung, um jede mögliche finanzielle 8220collapse8221 zu sein. Was passiert ist, dass über-Leveraged 8220paper8221 Vermögenswerte verlieren viel über-inflated Wert. Rohstoffe sind Rohstoffe. Sie sind immer wert, was die Leute für sie bezahlen. It8217s fein, etwas Goldsilber zu halten, aber der Zweck des Fiatgeldes ist, weil es unpraktisch ist, große Mengen des Goldsilbers, etc. zu tragen, um kommerzielle Tätigkeit zu führen. Papiergeld wird immer bei uns sein. Das Problem ist, dass eine kleine Grouop von Menschen zu viel Kontrolle erlaubt wurde und es wurde missbraucht manipuliert. Diese Missbräuche werden jedoch hinter den Kulissen korrigiert. So wie es Märkte gibt, wird es spekulativen Handel geben. Nichts falsch mit dem. Währungen inklusive. Die Werte von einem gegen einen anderen wird weiterhin fluctualte und die Menschen noch in der Lage sein, Geld auf der Grundlage der Markt Richtung zu machen. Keine Respektlosigkeit, aber der finanzielle Himmel wird nicht fallen. Es ist gut, zu diversifizieren, wenn eine bestimmte Währung etwas Papierwert für eine Weile verliert, aber wie üblich, wenn es geht, wird es wieder kommen. Keine Notwendigkeit für Panik überhaupt. Billionaire Investor Jim Rogers zusammen mit Marc Faber und Peter Schiff alle glauben, es wird ein Dollar Zusammenbruch sein. Diese Jungs haben sich als richtig in ihren Ansichten vor, wenn alle anderen hielt die konventionelle Sicht 8220 immer alles perfekt ist, weiterzumachen und don8217t für sich selbst denken.8221 Vielleicht wird dies Ihnen helfen, sehen die Dinge ein wenig anders. USA Präsidentschaftskandidat Mitt Romney vor kurzem gezeigt, wie der Dollar Zusammenbruch (was die Ausgabe einer neuen Papierwährung an Stelle des US-Dollar) könnte ausspielen. Als Antwort auf eine Frage des Publikums: Romney: Der ehemalige Leiter von Goldman Sachs, John Whitehead, war auch der ehemalige Chef der New Yorker Federal Reserve. Und ich traf mich mit ihm, und er sagte, sobald die FED aufhört, alle Schulden zu kaufen, die wir ausgeben, was sie getan haben, die Fed, die wie drei Viertel der Schulden kaufen, die Amerika ausgibt. Er sagte, einmal, dass8217s über, sagte er, dass wir eine gescheiterte Treasury-Auktion haben, werden die Zinssätze gehen müssen, um zu steigen. Wir leben in dieser geliehenen Fantasiewelt, in der die Regierung Geld leiht. Du weißt, wir leihen diese extra Billion pro Jahr, wir fragen uns, wer uns die Billion bezahlt hat. Die Chinesen haben uns nicht mehr geliehen. Die Russen leihen es uns nicht mehr. So who8217s geben uns die Trillion Und die Antwort ist, dass wir es gerade machen. Die Federal Reserve nimmt es nur und sagt: "Wir haben es nur geschenkt, und das ist nicht gut für unsere wirtschaftliche Zukunft. Sie wissen, einige dieser Dinge sind komplex genug it8217s nicht leicht für die Menschen zu verstehen, aber Ihr Punkt zu sagen, Konkurs konzentriert sich in der Regel konzentriert den Geist. Die Bedeutung der Romney-Anweisung ist von entscheidender Bedeutung, da sie genau das zeigt, was das Endspiel gut aussehen kann. Block Trades Ein Block Trade ist ein privat ausgehandeltes Futures, Optionen oder Kombinationstransaktion, die erlaubt ist, außer dem öffentlichen Auktionsmarkt ausgeführt zu werden. Die Teilnahme an Block Trades beschränkt sich auf Teilnahmeberechtigte Vertragsteilnehmer, wenn diese Laufzeit im Commodity Exchange Act definiert ist. Die Regel 526 (quotBlock Tradesquot) regelt den Blockhandel in CME-, CBOT-, NYMEX - und COMEX-Produkten. Blockgeschäfte sind in bestimmten Produkten zulässig und unterliegen Mindestanforderungen an die Transaktionsgröße, die je nach Produkt, Transaktionsart und Ausführungszeit variieren. Blocktrades können jederzeit zu einem fairen und angemessenen Preis ausgeführt werden. In einem CME amp CBOT Market Regulation Advisory Notice für CME - und CBOT-Produkte sowie in einem NYMEX amp COMEX Market Regulation Advisory Notice für NYMEX - und COMEX-Produkte sind die Regeln für den Handelsbericht, die Vorlage und die Mindestanforderungen für Schwellenwerte aufgeführt. Diese Bekanntmachungen finden Sie auf der Seite "Aktuelle Marktregulierung", auf die Sie hier klicken können. Wenn Sie Fragen zu Block Trades haben, wenden Sie sich bitte an die Market Regulation Department unter 1 312 341 7970 oder eine der Personen, die in den oben genannten Advisory Notices gelistet sind. Wichtige Links Blockieren Sie minimale Schwellenwerte in einer Excel-Datei Nutzen von Block Trades Convenience der privaten Verhandlung eines Handels mit einer ausgewählten berechtigten Gegenpartei Fähigkeit, eine große Transaktion zu einem fairen und vernünftigen Einzelpreis auszuführen Sicherheit eines Handels von CME Clearing entworfen, um institutionelle treffen Wie ein Blockhandel gemeldet wird Blocktrades können über CME ClearPort elektronisch an CME Clearing gemeldet werden. Sie müssen in CME ClearPort als Broker registriert sein, um Trades auf eigene Faust zu tätigen, oder als Trader, wenn Sie der designierte Vertragspartner sind. Die CME ClearPort Demo bietet eine hervorragende Einführung in die Registrierung und Einreichung von Ex-Pit-Transaktionen: progressive. powerstream00800102cmegesCMEClearPortmultiscreen. html Für Informationen über die Meldung von Block Trades über CME ClearPort wenden Sie sich bitte an den Kundendienst unter der Nummer 1 800 438 8616, per Email bei ClearPortcmegroup. Oder besuchen Sie: cmegroupclearport Global Command Center (quotGCCquot) Blocktrades können jederzeit ausgeführt und an den GCC gemeldet werden. Der Verkäufer berichtet den Handel durch den Aufruf des GCC in den USA bei 1 800 438 8616, in Europa bei 44 207 623 4747 oder in Asien bei 65 6532 5010 innerhalb von fünf Minuten nach der Ausführung. Wenn der Markt geschlossen ist, muss der Blockhandel spätestens fünf Minuten vor der Eröffnung der nächsten Handelssitzung für dieses Produkt gemeldet werden. Der Verkäufer hat dann seine Clearing-Firma Typ des Handels in Front End Clearing (FEC). Parteien, die Makler, die mit den von der Kontaktfirma bezeichneten Blockhandelsabläufen vertraut sind, können Trades in die GCC ohne ClearPort-Registrierung aufrufen, obwohl der Börsenhandel Parteien bevorzugt, die ClearPort registriert sind. Ab dem 1. Mai 2017 ist die Eingabe von Block Trades in FEC nicht mehr verfügbar. GCC wird weiterhin die Einreichung von Block Trades per Telefon oder E-Mail erleichtern, sofern alle Block - oder EFRP-Berichte in CME ClearPort registriert sind und die entsprechenden Kreditlimits vom FCM im CME Account Manager festgelegt wurden. Registrieren Sie sich heute für ClearPort, indem Sie auf diesen Registrierungslink klicken. Wenn Sie irgendwelche Fragen haben, wenden Sie sich bitte an die GCC in den USA unter 1 800 438 8616, in Europa unter 44 20 7623 4747 oder in Asien unter 65 6532 5010 oder per E-Mail an facdeskcmegroup. Front-End-Clearing-Systeme Das Front-End-Clearing-System (FEC) ist eine webbasierte Anwendung, die Clearing-Mitglieds-Backoffice-Mitarbeitern mit einer integrierten Methode zur Eingabe einer Vielzahl von Handelstypen zur Verfügung stellt: Blocks Exchange for Physicals (EFPs) Differential Spreads Elektronische Handelsänderungen FLEX-Optionen Fungibles Packs und Bundles Pit Trades SLEDS Transfers Mitarbeiter können mit FEC Handelsdaten erfassen, ändern und löschen. Give-up - und Average-Pricing-Funktionalität ist verfügbar. Für weitere Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an: cmegroupclearingsystems-operationsfront-end-clearing. html Pivot Instant Markets - ein neuer Weg zum elektronischen Handel CME Group Wetterblöcke Pivot Instant Markets das führende Produkt in der OTC-Derivate-Community für Echtzeit-Kommunikation und Verwaltung von Zitat Daten hat eine Partnerschaft mit der CME Group, um die elektronische Einreichung von CME Group Weather Block Trades zu ermöglichen, was zu erheblichen Vorteilen für Händler führt: Mehr Effizienz durch geradlinige Abwicklung von Transaktionen Reduzierte Kosten durch Verringerung der administrativen Anstrengungen Volle Leistungen und finanzielle Absicherungen von CME Gruppen zentrales Kontrahentenclearing Für die Zwecke der Zinsprodukte in der Tabelle gelten die folgenden Zeiten: ETH: 12:00 Uhr 7:00 Uhr Central Time (CT), Montag bis Freitag an normalen Geschäftstagen RTH: 7:00 Uhr 16:00 Uhr CT, Montag bis Freitag an normalen Werktagen ATH: 16:00 Uhr 12:00 Uhr CT, Montag bis Freitag an normalen Werktagen und am Wochenende E-Mini FTSE 100 Index BTIC auf E-Mini FTSE 100 Index-Futures, E-Mini FTSE 100 Index-Futures, E-Mini FTSE 100 Index-Futures, BTIC auf E-Mini FTSE China FTSE Emerging Index Futures, E-Mini FTSE Emerging Index Futures, E-Mini FTSE Entwickelt Europa-Index-Futures, BTIC E-Mini FTSE entwickelte Europa-Index-Futures, E-Mini IPOX 100 US-Index-Futures, E-Mini SampP Real Estate Select Sector Index Futures, BTIC auf E-Mini SampP Real Estate Select Sektor Index FuturesBlock Trades Ein Block Trade ist ein privat ausgehandeltes Futures, Optionen oder Kombinationstransaktion, die neben dem öffentlichen Auktionsmarkt ausgeführt werden darf. Die Teilnahme an Block Trades beschränkt sich auf Teilnahmeberechtigte Vertragsteilnehmer, wenn diese Laufzeit im Commodity Exchange Act definiert ist. Die Regel 526 (quotBlock Tradesquot) regelt den Blockhandel in CME-, CBOT-, NYMEX - und COMEX-Produkten. Blockgeschäfte sind in bestimmten Produkten zulässig und unterliegen Mindestanforderungen an die Transaktionsgröße, die je nach Produkt, Transaktionsart und Ausführungszeit variieren. Blocktrades können jederzeit zu einem fairen und angemessenen Preis ausgeführt werden. In einem CME amp CBOT Market Regulation Advisory Notice für CME - und CBOT-Produkte sowie in einem NYMEX amp COMEX Market Regulation Advisory Notice für NYMEX - und COMEX-Produkte sind die Regeln für den Handelsbericht, die Vorlage und die Mindestanforderungen für Schwellenwerte aufgeführt. Diese Bekanntmachungen finden Sie auf der Seite "Aktuelle Marktregulierung", auf die Sie hier klicken können. Wenn Sie Fragen zu Blocktrades haben, wenden Sie sich bitte an die Market Regulation Department unter 1 312 341 7970 oder an eine der Personen, die in den oben genannten Advisory Notices gelistet sind. Wichtige Links Blockieren Sie minimale Schwellenwerte in einer Excel-Datei Nutzen von Block Trades Convenience der privaten Verhandlung eines Handels mit einer ausgewählten berechtigten Gegenpartei Fähigkeit, eine große Transaktion zu einem fairen und vernünftigen Einzelpreis auszuführen Sicherheit eines Handels von CME Clearing entworfen, um institutionelle treffen Wie ein Blockhandel gemeldet wird Blocktrades können über CME ClearPort elektronisch an CME Clearing gemeldet werden. Sie müssen in CME ClearPort als Broker registriert sein, um Trades auf eigene Faust zu tätigen, oder als Trader, wenn Sie der designierte Vertragspartner sind. Die CME ClearPort Demo bietet eine hervorragende Einführung in die Registrierung und Einreichung von Ex-Pit-Transaktionen: progressive. powerstream00800102cmegesCMEClearPortmultiscreen. html Für Informationen über die Meldung von Block Trades über CME ClearPort wenden Sie sich bitte an den Kundendienst unter der Nummer 1 800 438 8616, per Email bei ClearPortcmegroup. Oder besuchen Sie: cmegroupclearport Global Command Center (quotGCCquot) Blocktrades können jederzeit ausgeführt und an den GCC gemeldet werden. Der Verkäufer berichtet den Handel durch den Aufruf des GCC in den USA bei 1 800 438 8616, in Europa bei 44 207 623 4747 oder in Asien bei 65 6532 5010 innerhalb von fünf Minuten nach der Ausführung. Wenn der Markt geschlossen ist, muss der Blockhandel spätestens fünf Minuten vor der Eröffnung der nächsten Handelssitzung für dieses Produkt gemeldet werden. Der Verkäufer hat dann seine Clearing-Firma Typ des Handels in Front End Clearing (FEC). Parteien, die Makler, die mit den von der Kontaktfirma bezeichneten Blockhandelsabläufen vertraut sind, können Trades in die GCC ohne ClearPort-Registrierung aufrufen, obwohl der Börsenhandel Parteien bevorzugt, die ClearPort registriert sind. Ab dem 1. Mai 2017 ist die Eingabe von Block Trades in FEC nicht mehr verfügbar. GCC wird weiterhin die Einreichung von Block Trades per Telefon oder E-Mail erleichtern, sofern alle Block - oder EFRP-Berichte in CME ClearPort registriert sind und die entsprechenden Kreditlimits vom FCM im CME Account Manager festgelegt wurden. Registrieren Sie sich heute für ClearPort, indem Sie auf diesen Registrierungslink klicken. Wenn Sie irgendwelche Fragen haben, wenden Sie sich bitte an die GCC in den USA unter 1 800 438 8616, in Europa unter 44 20 7623 4747 oder in Asien unter 65 6532 5010 oder per E-Mail an facdeskcmegroup. Front-End-Clearing-Systeme Das Front-End-Clearing-System (FEC) ist eine webbasierte Anwendung, die Clearing-Mitglieds-Backoffice-Mitarbeitern mit einer integrierten Methode zur Eingabe einer Vielzahl von Handelstypen zur Verfügung stellt: Blocks Exchange for Physicals (EFPs) Differential Spreads Elektronische Handelsänderungen FLEX-Optionen Fungibles Packs und Bundles Pit Trades SLEDS Transfers Mitarbeiter können mit FEC Handelsdaten erfassen, ändern und löschen. Give-up - und Average-Pricing-Funktionalität ist verfügbar. Für weitere Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an: cmegroupclearingsystems-operationsfront-end-clearing. html Pivot Instant Markets - ein neuer Weg zum elektronischen Handel CME Group Wetterblöcke Pivot Instant Markets das führende Produkt in der OTC-Derivate-Community für Echtzeit-Kommunikation und Verwaltung von Zitat Daten hat eine Partnerschaft mit der CME Group, um die elektronische Einreichung von CME Group Weather Block Trades zu ermöglichen, was zu erheblichen Vorteilen für Händler führt: Mehr Effizienz durch geradlinige Abwicklung von Transaktionen Reduzierte Kosten durch Verringerung der administrativen Anstrengungen Volle Leistungen und finanzielle Absicherungen von CME Gruppen zentrales Kontrahentenclearing Für die Zwecke der Zinsprodukte in der Tabelle gelten folgende Zeiten: ETH: 12:00 Uhr 7:00 Uhr Central Time (CT), Montag bis Freitag an normalen Geschäftstagen RTH: 7:00 Uhr 16:00 Uhr CT, Montag bis Freitag an normalen Werktagen ATH: 16:00 Uhr 12:00 Uhr CT, Montag bis Freitag an normalen Werktagen und am Wochenende E-Mini FTSE 100 Index BTIC auf E-Mini FTSE 100 Index-Futures, E-Mini FTSE 100 Index-Futures, E-Mini FTSE 100 Index-Futures, BTIC auf E-Mini FTSE China FTSE Emerging Index Futures, E-Mini FTSE Emerging Index Futures, E-Mini FTSE Entwickelt Europa-Index-Futures, BTIC E-Mini FTSE entwickelte Europa-Index-Futures, E-Mini IPOX 100 US-Index-Futures, E-Mini SampP Real Estate Select Sektor-Index-Futures, BTIC auf E-Mini SampP Immobilien Selektieren Sie Index-Index FuturesLike - Klicken Sie diesen Link an, um diese Seite zu Ihren Lesezeichen hinzuzufügen Share - Klicken Sie auf diesen Link, um diese Seite über E-Mail oder soziale Medien zu teilen Print - Klicken Sie auf diesen Link, um diese Seite zu drucken Beispiele für Geldwäscheuntersuchungen - Geschäftsjahr 2016 Die folgenden Beispiele für Geldwäscheuntersuchungen werden aus öffentlichen Akten in den Gerichten des Gerichtsbezirks, in dem die Fälle verfolgt wurden, eingereicht. Chinesischer Staatsbürger verurteilt zu 36 Monaten für den Verkauf von über 1 Million Dollar gefälschter Handyteile in die USA Am 26. September 2016 wurde in Hong Kong, Hongwei Nick Du, ein chinesischer Staatsbürger, zu 36 Monaten Gefängnis verurteilt Verlor 1,5 Millionen, sowie das Mobiltelefon bei seiner Festnahme beschlagnahmt, und eine Geldbuße von 10.000 zu zahlen. Du hat sich schuldig geweigert, sich für den Verkehr mit gefälschten Waren und damit verbundenen Geldwäschegebühren zu verschwören. Das Gericht verhängte Strafe auf der Grundlage von Dus Rolle als Einkaufs-Agent und Lieferant eines Imperial Valley Geschäft von spanischen Bürger Octavio Cesar Sana, die zu 41 Monaten im Gefängnis im Juli verurteilt wurde laufen. Sanas Unternehmen, Flexqueen, verkaufte mindestens 3,2 Millionen gefälschte Handy-Komponenten seit Jahren über das Internet, und kurz von einem Geschäft vor der Reparatur-Geschäft in der Innenstadt von San Diego. Sie betrieben als Sanas größte Quelle für die Versorgung und chinesischen Einkaufs-Agent, die Sicherung 1,5 Millionen gefälschte Handy-Teile für Flexqueen von Herstellern in Shenzhen, China. Entsprechend der Klagevereinbarung, seit 2007, verkauften Sanas Unternehmen ungefähr 6.5 Million der Handyteile und der Zusatzgeräte zu den Geschäften und zu den Verbrauchern in den Vereinigten Staaten. Im Gegenzug zahlte Sana etwa 3,1 Millionen an Du. Sana und Du haben zugegeben, dass etwa die Hälfte dieser Teile Fälschungen waren. Fraud Schemer für Wire Fraud und Illegal Monetary Transactions Am 23. August 2016 in Tampa, Florida, wurde Christopher A. Maguire, ehemals Orlando, Florida, zu 10 Jahren im Bundesgefängnis wegen Drahtbetrug und illegale Geldtransaktionen verurteilt. Als Teil seiner Strafe hat das Gericht auch ein Geldurteil in Höhe von 4,938,574, die Erlöse aus dem aufgeladenen strafrechtlichen Verhalten. Laut Gerichtsdokumenten, von Mai 2012 bis April 2014, betrieb Maguire ein System, wo er, und Promotoren von ihm beschäftigt, Opfer investiert Investoren, um ihm Mittel über elektronische Draht oder Scheck zu senden. Die Opferfonds wurden niemals tatsächlich in die Chance investiert, die ihnen von Maguire angeboten wurde. Einige der Mittel wurden von Maguire auf persönliche Ausgaben, sowie Zahlungen an seine Promotoren verwendet. Maguire machte auch zahlreiche Zahlungen zurück an bestimmte Opfer, oft verlockend diese Opfer zu reinvestieren den Erlös der Transaktion, manchmal auslösende zusätzliche Investition von Mitteln durch die Opfer oder ihre Mitarbeiter. Durch diese Regelung war Maguire verantwortlich für Verluste von über 4,9 Millionen an über 150 Opfer-Investoren. Die Mehrheit der Opfer befand sich im zentralen Florida und im nördlichen Ohio. Lokaler Anwalt verurteilt zum Gefängnis für kriminelle Verschwörung und Betrieb Unlizenzierte Geldübertragung Geschäft Am 6. September 2016 in San Diego, Kalifornien, wurde Richard Medina, Jr. ein San Diego-basierter Anwalt, zu 60 Monaten im Gefängnis verurteilt, drei Jahre betreute Freigabe , Und Verwirkung von 11 986 892. Medina, Jr. plädierte schuldig im September 2015 zu den Zählungen 2 und 3 einer ersetzenden Anklageschrift und berechnete ihn mit dem Trichter fast 12 Million durch seine Anwaltskanzleien. Laut Gerichtsdokumenten, Medina, Jr. zusammen mit drei anderen Mitangeklagten, verschworen, als ein kommerzielles Unternehmen bereit und in der Lage, Bargeld im Namen von Dritten übertragen zu betreiben. Die Mitangeklagten scheiterten, ihre Geldübertragungsgeschäfte mit dem Staatssekretär, wie gesetzlich vorgeschrieben, zu registrieren. Im Gegenzug nutzten die Angeklagten, die in den Vereinigten Staaten und im Ausland ansässig waren, von Medina, Jr. Omar Trevino, Caro Del Castillo, Francisco Cuevas und einem anderen Mitangeklagten die Möglichkeit, Bargeld zu sammeln und es überall auf der Welt zu übertragen. Die Co-Beklagten erhielten Provisionen für ihre Dienste, extrahiert eine Gebühr aus den Millionen von Dollar übertragen. In einem Versuch, die Übertragung der Währung zu legitimieren, eröffnete Medina Jr. im Namen seiner Anwaltskanzlei bei nationalen Banken (die IOLTA-Konten) mehrere Zinsen für Anwaltskonten. Durch die Hinterlegung des Geldes in die IOLTA-Konten sollen die Mitangeklagten verhindern, dass die Banken ordnungsgemäße Devisentermingeschäfte einreichen. Nicht weniger als 11.986.892 in bar in und durch die IOLTA-Konten im Laufe von 47 Einlagen zwischen März 2013 und Februar 2014. Medina, Jr. überwacht den Eingang und den internationalen Transfer dieser Mittel mit dem Wissen oder mit Grund für die Tatsache, dass die betreffenden Vorgänge rechtswidrig sind. Zwei von Medinas Mitverschworenen wurden bereits verurteilt, Francisco Cuevas wurde zu 51 Monaten Gefängnis verurteilt und Omar Trevino Caro Del Castillo wurde zu 27 Monaten Gefängnis verurteilt. Ehemaliger Betreiber von Gardena Casino zahlt 1 Million Geldstrafe und forfeits fast 1,4 Millionen für die Verletzung von Bundes-Anti-Geldwäscherei Gesetze Am 30. August 2016, in Los Angeles, Kalifornien, wurde der ehemalige Betreiber des Normandie Club in Gardena eine 1 Million bezahlen Strafbare Geldbuße und zu verweigern fast 1,4 Millionen nach dem Schuldigen schuldig, das Bankgeheimnis-Gesetz zu verletzen, indem sie keine großen Cash-Transaktionen an die Bundesbehörden Bericht. Das Kasino plädierte im Januar schuldig, die Anti-Geldwäschebestimmungen des Bankgeheimnisgesetzes zu verletzen. Die Partnerschaft speziell schuldig schuldig, nicht in der Lage, eine effektive Anti-Geldwäsche-Programm und verschworen, um zu vermeiden Berichterstattung an die Regierung die großen Cash-Transaktionen von einigen der Casinos High-Roller Spieler. Die Normandie Club zugegeben, dass sein Casino unabhängige Glücksspiel Veranstalter engagiert, um High-Roller zu lokalisieren und dann steuern die Spieler zum Casino. Als Teil der Verschwörung, High-Level-Personal im Casino, einschließlich der Casinos Präsident und Chief Operating Officer, einigten sich darauf, zu vermeiden Berichterstattung an die Regierung die großen Summen von Bargeld bestimmte High-Roller bringen würde, um das Casino. Gemäß der Klagevereinbarung vermied das Kasino die Berichterstattung von Transaktionen im Zusammenhang mit den Hochrollen, indem er Währungstransaktionsberichte einreichte, die den Veranstalter anstelle des Spielers nannten, indem sie Transaktionen so strukturierten, dass sie weniger als 10.000 zu sein schienen, oder einfach durch Nichtaufzeichnen Große Transaktionen. Während eines sechswöchigen Zeitraums im Jahr 2013 gewann ein einziger High-Roller mehr als 1 Million von einer anderen Partei im Casino, und das Casino verschworen, die Identität der High-Roll zu verbergen. Westminster Man verurteilte das Orchestrieren eines Schemas, um Kunden zu schikanieren Am 30. August 2016, in Denver, Colorado, wurde Timothy J. Tucker aus Westminster zu 78 Monaten Gefängnis verurteilt, drei Jahre nach der beaufsichtigten Freilassung und bestellt, 1.614.302 zu zahlen die Opfer. Tucker plädierte schuldig, Betrug und Geldwäsche zu verdrahten. Anfang Februar 2010 und bis Ende 2013 fortgesetzt, entwarf Tucker ein System, um zu betrügen, indem er vorgerückte Gebühren von den Einzelpersonen und von den Einheiten erhielt, die Multimilliondollardarlehen suchten. Tucker operated Assured Venture Group (AVG) and The Financial Group, LLC (TFG), which purported to be in the business of finding funding for multimillion-dollar loans for investment projects through the issuance of corporate bonds. Tucker told people and entities that they were required to pay AVGTFG fees in advance of AVGTFG performing work to find funding for the requested loans and that the fees would be spent only on underwriting, due diligence, and closing costs related to the requested loans. Between February 2010 and March 2013, AVGTFG was paid over 1.8 million in fees on twenty-two different projects, both by individuals and entities. Tucker did not secure funding for any of the projects and did not return any fees on twenty of twenty-two projects. The majority of the fees received by AVGTFG were used for things unrelated to the requested loans, including Tuckers other businesses. U. K. Citizen Sentenced for Role in Overseas Investment Scam On August 29, 2016, in Buffalo, New York, Martin Rhys-Jones, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and ordered to pay 2,897,130 in restitution. Jones was previously convicted of laundering money derived in a wire fraud conspiracy. According to court documents, Jones, who was extradited from Spain, oversaw a boiler room scam in Barcelona, Spain, which conned investors in the United Kingdom and Canada into buying nearly worthless shares of restricted stock at severely inflated prices. Customers were told they were buying more valuable, regular shares of stock. Approximately 250 investors lost more than 2,900,000 in the scam. A portion of the criminal proceeds were funneled through a bank account in Western New York before being sent to numerous overseas accounts controlled by Jones and his co-conspirator, Arnold Wrobel, a former resident of Buffalo. Wrobel was convicted in December 2015 and is awaiting sentencing. A total of 12 defendants were arrested in the case, four have been convicted. Valencia Businessman Sentenced to Prison in Massive Investment Scam On July 28, 2016, in Los Angeles, Bruce Richard Sands Jr. of Valencia, was sentenced to 135 months in prison and ordered to pay 11,039,404 in restitution. Sands pleaded guilty in April to four counts of mail fraud, five counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. From about October 2007 through the end of 2010, Sands businesses solicited investments in precious metals and collectible coins. Individuals across the nation were solicited through national radio, television and Internet advertising. Sands falsely told investors that the precious metals they paid for would be delivered to them directly or sent to their retirement accounts, when Sands knew that his company, Superior Gold, would not be purchasing or delivering the precious metals. Many investors never received the metals they purchased. Sands induced more than 300 victims to invest approximately 24 million and to suffer losses of nearly 11 million while Sands funded his own lavish lifestyle. Store Manager Sentenced for 5.1 Million Food Stamp Fraud On July 27, 2016, in Macon, Georgia, Michael Paul Atkinson Jr. was sentenced to 60 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of 5,141,520 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the federal food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). From 2010 through March 2015, Atkinson operated Mid Way Market in Macon. During that time, Atkinson paid beneficiaries in cash to redeem SNAP benefits and allowed beneficiaries to use those benefits to purchase non-allowed items. In addition, Atkinson taught other workers at Mid Way how to process fraudulent claims. As a result of the fraudulent scheme, the SNAP program paid over 5.1 million in redemptions to Mid Way that should not have been paid. Atkinson also agreed that his home was subject to forfeiture because it was purchased with proceeds from the fraud. His house has been forfeited to the United States. Indiana Man Sentenced for Transportation of Stolen Vehicles On July 26, 2016, in Evansville, Indiana, Andrew R. Elpers, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles and of money laundering. Elpers was also ordered to pay 453,456.80 in restitution to the victim dealerships and insurance companies. According to court documents, on May 23, 2016, during his guilty plea, Elpers admitted to the Court that he unlawfully transported in interstate commerce approximately 32 stolen motor vehicles many of which were large pieces of excavating equipment. Elpers also admitted to committing money laundering by trading in a stolen motor vehicle and using the proceeds to purchase a new vehicle, knowing that the proceeds were derived from unlawful activity. Elpers admitted stealing excavating equipment from three different states, Illinois, Missouri and Indiana. Elpers was found to have moved some of the stolen equipment to North Carolina where he used the equipment to make improvements to property he owned there. He admitted he had special skills in using excavating equipment that enabled him to override security measures and drive the equipment away from victim dealerships. In total, the stolen motor vehicles had a value of over 1.5 million dollars. California Woman Sentenced in Marijuana and Money Laundering Conspiracies On July 15, 2016, in Syracuse, New York, Simona Borissova, of Danville, California, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit 273,665. On Feb. 26, 2016, Borissova pleaded guilty to distributing marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, between January 2011 and August 2015, Borissova, who lived in Las Vegas, caused marijuana to be driven from a marijuana farm in Northern California, owned by her parents, to various stash houses in Las Vegas, where others would take possession of the marijuana and ship it to Utica, New York and other cities around the United States. Marijuana buyers and co-conspirators deposited money into various bank accounts, some held in the names of third parties including Borissova. Borissova withdrew cash to purchase more marijuana, pay expenses or otherwise spent it at her discretion. Borissova conspired with others to engage in money laundering involving 273,665, which was the total amount of money orders purchased with proceeds from the sale of marijuana in and around Utica, New York which was used for payment for the marijuana shipped from California to Utica, New York. Massachusetts Woman Sentenced for 3.6 Million Food Stamp Fraud On July 12, 2016, in Boston, Massachusetts, Vida Ofori Causey, of Worcester, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit 3,512,906 to the government. Restitution will be determined after forfeiture is completed. In December 2015, Causey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit SNAP benefits fraud, SNAP fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Causey was the owner and operator of JampW Aseda Plaza, a convenience store. From April 2010 to October 2014, Causey conspired with others to commit SNAP fraud by purchasing SNAP benefits from recipients rather than exchanging them for food. Causey purchased the benefits at a discounted value of approximately fifty cents for every SNAP dollar. By so doing, Causey caused the USDA to electronically deposit into a bank account she controlled the full face value of the SNAP benefits fraudulently obtained. To provide customers with cash for the SNAP benefits, Causey used the cash she received from customers wishing to utilize MoneyGram services. In order to cover those transactions, she transferred money from the account where her SNAP funds were electronically deposited into the account she used for her MoneyGram business. Ohio Man Sentenced for Stealing 3.3 Million from School District On June 30, 2016, in Youngstown, Ohio, Dominick Palazzo, of Broadview Heights, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay 3,333,448 in restitution to the Cuyahoga Heights School District. Palazzo was also ordered to pay forfeiture of 43,409. Palazzo previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Palazzo and his brother, Joseph M. Palazzo, along with David Donadeo and Dennis Boyles, conspired together to defraud the school district through dozens of fraudulent billings. Palazzos brother, Joseph M. Palazzo, was the Information Technology director of the Cuyahoga Heights School District. Joseph Palazzo devised a scheme to submit false invoices to the school district for IT-related goods and services never received or already purchased by the district from another source. Joseph Palazzos actions caused the district to issue checks to shell vendor corporations established and owned by Dominick Palazzo, Boyles and Donadeo. The shell vendor corporation owners kept approximately half of the stolen money themselves and funneled the remainder of the money back to Joseph Palazzo for his personal use. Joseph Palazzo was previously sentenced to more than 11 years in prison. Boyles was sentenced to more than two years in prison and Donadeos case is pending. North Carolina Man Sentenced in Tax Refund Check Scheme On June 8, 2016, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wilfredo Acosta Hidalgo was sentenced to 71 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 4,280,871 in restitution to the IRS. Hidalgo pleaded guilty in February to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of public money and one count of theft of public money. According to court documents, in 2011 and 2012, Hidalgo conspired with check cashers to cash U. S. Treasury refund checks issued as a result of fraudulently-filed tax returns. Hidalgo provided the check cashers with U. S. Treasury checks issued to third parties in whose name the fraudulent returns were filed. The check cashers deposited the checks into their business bank accounts, took a check-cashing fee and gave the rest of the funds to Hidalgo. The third-party payees were not present when the checks were cashed. North Carolina Convenience Store Owner Sentenced for Food Stamp Fraud On May 27, 2016, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Ali Dhaher al-Darajy was sentenced to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release. al-Darajy was also ordered to pay restitution of 2,305,630 to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and to forfeit his interest in money seized during the investigation, along with five pieces of real property. On Nov. 23 2015, al-Darajy pleaded guilty to theft of government property and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. According to court documents, al-Darajy owned and operated three convenient stores in Raleigh under the name Hannah Stop n Shop or Hannah Stop nDrink. Beginning in December 2010, al-Darajy was authorized to accept Federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in return for eligible items as prescribed by the USDAs Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Between Jan. 11, 2013 and Jan. 7, 2014, 6,465 in SNAP benefits was fraudulently obtained through undercover operations. The USDA determined al-darajy had stolen approximately 2,305,630. al-Darajy used the stolen funds for personal expenses, purchasing automobiles and real estate. Florida Man Sentenced for Multi-State Money Laundering Conspiracy On May 24, 2016, in Pensacola, Florida, Kenneth Grandison was sentenced to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to utilize a telephone facility to further a drug trafficking offense. According to court documents, between January 2012 and January 2016, Grandison received illegal drugs from California, including marijuana and codeine, for further distribution in Florida. Grandison used dozens of bank accounts to launder the drug trafficking proceeds. In total, the bank accounts received more than 800 cash deposits. This investigation involved the laundering of between 1.5 and 3.5 million. Former Prosecutor Sentenced for Massive Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme On May 23, 2016, in Anchorage, Alaska, Mark Avery was sentenced to 160 months in prison, five years of supervised release, ordered to pay a 100,000 fine, and pay restitution to the May Smith Trust of 45,925,737. Avery was convicted on Feb. 29, 2016, of three counts of wire fraud, six counts of money laundering, one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a bank. Avery served as a trustee and lawyer to the May Smith Trust from early 2002, and received yearly compensation in the amount of 600,000 in trustee fees for his fiduciary role. Avery engaged in a scheme wherein he pledged assets of the May Smith Trust as collateral to secure a 52 million loan for himself. The jurys verdicts found that Avery defrauded May Wong Smith and the May Smith Trust by using the 52 million loan funds for his personal use and to invest in various businesses without any indicia of normal business practices. The money was obtained and spent with no written business plan, no controls over how the money was to be spent, no repayment terms, no promissory note and none of the common safeguards of commercial investments. Avery exhausted the 52 million he obtained from the trust in six months using the funds on various purchases for himself. Avery was also convicted of bank fraud and making false statements to Wells Fargo Bank in October 2006 in connection with a 500,000 line of credit in which he failed to list the 52 million dollar debt when applying for the loan. This is the largest wire fraud and money laundering conviction by amount ever prosecuted in Alaska. Louisiana Businessman Sentenced for Fraudulent U. S. Treasury Check Scheme On May 19, 2106, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Carlos L. Linares was sentenced to 70 months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of 1,603,537. Linares previously was found guilty of theft of government funds, failure to maintain an effective money laundering program and two counts of obstruction of a proceeding before a federal agency. According to court documents, Linares operated a store called Latinos Supermarket, LLC where he cashed checks for a fee. In just a fifteen-month time period spanning from March of 2012 through May of 2013, Linares cashed more than 250 U. S. Treasury checks with out-of-state addresses worth over 1.6 million. The checks had been obtained through fraud and misused other peoples identities. Linares also knowingly failed to follow the requirements placed on him as a registered money service business and failed to prevent his store from being used to facilitate criminal activity and launder money. Finally, Linares attempted to obstruct efforts by the IRS in efforts to determine whether he was following the law. Indiana Financial Advisor Sentenced in Fraud Scheme On May 19, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jaime C. Lopez, currently of Wabash, was sentenced to 57 months in prison. In January, Lopez was convicted of 15 counts of wire fraud, one count of securities fraud and one count of money laundering. According to court documents, Lopez was a financial advisor who conducted business from his home in Carmel. He created various business names, JCL Interest Plus, JCL Capital Inc. and JCL Directs (JCL Entities) to direct funds from unsuspecting investors. From January 2010 until June 2012, Lopez convinced investors to transfer their Individual Retirement Accounts to self-directed accounts. Lopez would then transfer the money into JCL Entities under his control. Lopez solicited hundreds of thousands of dollars telling investors he had reinvested the money by loaning it to outside businesses, purchasing corporate bonds and notes or investing in real estate. Additional funds were used by Lopez to pay interest on promissory notes issued to the investors. Later the investors were issued new promissory notes for a longer term of investment and at a much lower rate of interest. Lopez never invested the money as promised, rather spending the money on the purchase of automobiles, home mortgage payments and home landscaping. Two Brothers Sentenced for Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns Seeking Refunds of Over 224 Million On May 17, 2016, in Greenbelt, Maryland, Sean Aude Gallman, of Upper Marlboro, and his brother, Eric Maurice Gallman, of Huntersville, North Carolina, were sentenced to 132 months and 48 months in prison, respectively. Sean and Eric Gallman were also each sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the IRS of 16,512,492. Additionally, the brothers will forfeit the amount of the refunds paid by the IRS, including 11,529,954 seized from numerous bank accounts foreign currency and gold and silver coins seized from a residence in Upper Marlboro nine residential properties and three vehicles. Both pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Sean Gallman also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and money laundering charges. According to court documents, the Gallmans established trusts and business entities and used mailboxes at numerous private commercial postal carrier stores in Maryland and North Carolina as the addresses for the trusts and business entities. The Gallman brothers, acting as trustees and agents, mailed fraudulent tax returns to the IRS in the names of the trusts and businesses requesting refunds. Altogether, the Gallman brothers filed a total of approximately 46 fraudulent tax returns seeking refunds totaling 224,676,998, for which the IRS paid two refunds totaling 16,512,492. Three Minnesota Residents Sentenced for Narcotics Distribution and Money Laundering Conspiracies On May 9, 2016 in Worthington, Minnesota, Somwang Wong Khanya, Inpaeng Phady, and Keophothone Rounoubon of Minnesota were charged with conspiracies to distribute narcotics and money laundering. Khanya pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on February 9, 2016, and was sentenced to 70 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay 100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Phady pled guilty to the marijuana distribution conspiracy on February 9, 2016, and was sentenced to 30 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay 100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Rounoubon pled guilty to the marijuana distribution conspiracy on February 5, 2016, and was sentenced to 23 months in custody, followed by 4 years of supervised release and ordered to pay 100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. According to court documents, the defendants had a source of marijuana in California, and traveled there from Worthington on many occasions to purchase and bring back marijuana for distribution in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, area and elsewhere. Khanya used various methods to launder the proceeds of the marijuana sales, including purchasing many expensive items with a retail value of 62,000 purchasing gold jewelry with an approximate retail value of 54,000 running cash through casinos structuring cash deposits into bank accounts to avoid the filing of currency transaction reports and purchasing a 2009 Lexus IS250 and financing, titling, registering, and insuring it in other persons names. Texas Man Sentenced for an Estimated 4.5 Million Ponzi Scheme On May 6, 2016, in Austin, Texas, William Risinger was sentenced to 160 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a money judgment of 3,722,975 to his victims. Risinger pleaded guilty in January 2016 to wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, from November 2010 to June 2014, Risinger, the owner of RHM Exploration, LLC, stole money from investors based on three fraudulent oil, gas and mineral venture schemes. Risinger used the proceeds of his scheme for his own personal use or as lulling payments in order to convince investors that the joint venture they invested in was operating as promised. Liberty Reserve Founder Sentenced for Laundering Hundreds of Millions of Dollars On May 6, 2016, in Manhattan, New York, Arthur Budovsky was sentenced to 240 months in prison and ordered to pay a 500,000 fine. In January, Budovsky pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Budovsky ran a massive money laundering enterprise through his company Liberty Reserve S. A. (Liberty Reserve). Liberty Reserve billed itself as the Internets largest payment processor and money transfer system and allowed people all over the world to send and receive payments using virtual currency. Budovsky directed and supervised Liberty Reserves operations, finances, and business strategy and was aware that digital currencies were used by other online criminals. Liberty Reserve grew into a financial hub for cybercriminals around the world, trafficking the criminal proceeds of Ponzi schemes, credit card trafficking, stolen identity information and computer hacking. By May 2013, when the government shut it down, Liberty Reserve had more than 5.5 million user accounts worldwide and had processed more than 78 million financial transactions with a combined value of more than 8 billion. United States users accounted for the largest segment of Liberty Reserves total transactional volume between 1 billion and 1.8 billion and the largest number of user accounts over 600,000. Co-defendants Mark Marmilev and Maxim Chukharev were sentenced to five years and three years in prison, respectively. Co-defendants Vladimir Kats and Azzeddine El Amine have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced. Charges remain pending against Liberty Reserve and two individual defendants who are fugitives. Ohio Man Sentenced in Connection with Drug Trafficking Ring On May 5, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio, Ramiro Nonato Mendoza was sentenced to 160 months in prison. Mendoza pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2015, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and more than five kilograms of cocaine and money laundering. According to court documents, Mendoza was one of 22 individuals charged with operating a drug trafficking ring that involved numerous kilograms of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. The defendants were also involved in the illegal employment of unauthorized aliens and the possession of numerous firearms. The defendants attempted to launder their drug proceeds by purchasing vehicles. More than 208,000 and 11 firearms were seized in connection with this case. Texas Man Sentenced for an Estimated 4.5 Million Ponzi Scheme On May 6, 2016, in Austin, Texas, William Risinger was sentenced to 160 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a money judgment of 3,722,975 to his victims. Risinger pleaded guilty in January 2016 to wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, from November 2010 to June 2014, Risinger, the owner of RHM Exploration, LLC, stole money from investors based on three fraudulent oil, gas and mineral venture schemes. Risinger used the proceeds of his scheme for his own personal use or as lulling payments in order to convince investors that the joint venture they invested in was operating as promised. Liberty Reserve Founder Sentenced for Laundering Hundreds of Millions of Dollars On May 6, 2016, in Manhattan, New York, Arthur Budovsky was sentenced to 240 months in prison and ordered to pay a 500,000 fine. In January, Budovsky pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Budovsky ran a massive money laundering enterprise through his company Liberty Reserve S. A. (Liberty Reserve). Liberty Reserve billed itself as the Internets largest payment processor and money transfer system and allowed people all over the world to send and receive payments using virtual currency. Budovsky directed and supervised Liberty Reserves operations, finances, and business strategy and was aware that digital currencies were used by other online criminals. Liberty Reserve grew into a financial hub for cybercriminals around the world, trafficking the criminal proceeds of Ponzi schemes, credit card trafficking, stolen identity information and computer hacking. By May 2013, when the government shut it down, Liberty Reserve had more than 5.5 million user accounts worldwide and had processed more than 78 million financial transactions with a combined value of more than 8 billion. United States users accounted for the largest segment of Liberty Reserves total transactional volume between 1 billion and 1.8 billion and the largest number of user accounts over 600,000. Co-defendants Mark Marmilev and Maxim Chukharev were sentenced to five years and three years in prison, respectively. Co-defendants Vladimir Kats and Azzeddine El Amine have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced. Charges remain pending against Liberty Reserve and two individual defendants who are fugitives. Insurance Agent Sentenced for Fraud On April 18, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Cindy L. Lampkins was sentenced to 60 months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of 682,000. Lampkins previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Lampkins was the vice president and owner of K amp B Financial Services, Inc. dba Kern Financial Group (KFG), as well as a licensed insurance agent. Between February 2010 and November 2013, Lampkins persuaded clients to invest in financial products that did not, in fact, exist. Clients attempted to purchase these artificial financial products and submitted payments to Lampkins aggregating approximately 682,000. Instead of investing these funds in any financial products on behalf of these clients, Lampkins used these funds for own use. Real Estate Agent Sentenced for Bank Fraud and Money Laundering Schemes On April 22, 2016, in Oakland, California, Anthony Keslinke, of Danville, was sentenced to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Keslinke was ordered to pay 1,427,916 in restitution to the victims, a forfeiture judgment of 2,086,405 and a fine of 50,000. Keslinke also agreed to forfeit 1,722,426 in cash seized from his residence and his bank accounts. Keslinke pleaded guilty in May 2015, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Keslinke was the leader of both a large-scale bank fraud conspiracy and a separate money laundering conspiracy. In one scheme, Keslinke used straw buyers to purchase real estate throughout Northern California between 2011 and 2014. Keslinke identified potential short sale properties. To induce the bank to accept his offers, Keslinke submitted fraudulent financial hardship letter on behalf of sellers, altered engineering and pest reports to lower property values and altered bank documents to create the appearance that straw buyers had sufficient funds to purchase the properties in cash. Once the financial institutions accepted the offers, Keslinke used his own funds to purchase the properties which he then resold at significant financial gain. In a second conspiracy, between August 2013 and February 2014, Keslinke met with an undercover agent purporting to be a drug dealer. Keslinke accepted a total of 550,000 from the undercover agent and deposited the funds into accounts he controlled. Keslinke then attempted to launder the money by wiring it from his accounts to an account controlled by the undercover agent. Keslinke routinely kept 8-10 of the money provided as a fee. Former Texas Insurance Agent Sentenced for 5.4 Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme On April 19, 2016, in Tyler, Texas, Robert Hahn was sentenced to 36 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of 1,705,680. Hahn, a former insurance agent, pleaded guilty on Nov. 19, 2015, to wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Hahn started a fraudulent scheme, commonly known as a Ponzi scheme before January 2007 and he continued it until Feb. 4, 2015. Hahn falsely represented to approximately 100 different individuals that he was spearheading fund raising for a group of doctors for health care facilities and medical equipment. Hahn collected approximately 5,479,600 from 94 individuals. Hahn then returned approximately 4,072,470 to some of the individuals. About a third of the investors enjoyed gains while the rest suffered losses. Hahn simply made up the story about raising funds for a group of doctors to obtain and maintain funds for his personal use. Former Bank Teller Sentenced for Cashing Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund Checks On April 12, 2016, in Columbus, Georgia, Vicky Wheeler was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 780,760 in restitution. According to court documents, between February 2013 and May 2014, Wheeler worked as a bank teller at bank in Columbus. Wheeler was approached by several co-conspirators who wanted her to cash fraudulently obtained tax refund checks in exchange for a fee. Wheeler was informed that the tax refund checks were generated from tax returns filed using stolen identities. Wheeler made false entries on the face of the checks to make it appear as if she received identification when the checks were cashed, when in fact, she never received any forms of identification. In total, Wheeler received and cashed approximately 361 checks totaling 780,760 in tax refunds. Texas Woman Sentenced for Structuring Financial Transactions On April 11, 2016, in Dallas, Texas, Linda Nell Fantroy was sentenced to 18 months in prison. In December 2015, Fantroy pleaded guilty to structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements. According to court documents, Fantroy, who was employed by the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), received direct payroll deposits from DISD and from the Texas Comptroller Teacher Retirement System of Texas. From January 2007 through November 2009, Fantroy had a total of 10 deposits totaling 6,270 into her credit union accounts. However, beginning in December 2009, the currency deposits into Fantroys accounts increased dramatically. From January 2010 to late October 2013, Fantroy structured currency deposits to avoid the 10,000 currency reporting requirements. During this time, she made approximately 111 cash deposits totaling more than 580,000. Each of those deposits was made with the intent to avoid the currency reporting requirements, and she violated this law as part of a pattern of illegal activity involving more than 100,000 in a 12-month period. Funds deposited into her account were used to purchase seven residential properties that she was required to forfeit to the government. Texas Check Cashing Business Owner Sentenced for Role in Stolen Tax Refund Scheme On April 6, 2016, in Dallas, Texas, Obinna Njoku was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay 309,679 in restitution. Njoku pleaded guilty in August 2015 to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. According to court records, Njoku was the sole director of All-Ways Insurance Group, LLC, and also owned All-Ways Check Cashing, Inc. a money service business licensed as an agent of MoneyGram. Njoku was also the designated anti-money laundering compliance officer for All-Ways and represented to MoneyGram that All-Ways had implemented an anti-money laundering compliance policy. From January through April 2012, Njoku was asked by several individuals to cash, through All-Ways, batches of federal income tax refund checks issued to individuals other than themselves. The checks were often brought in batches of eight to 12 at a time, had consecutive check numbers and each check was always for less than 10,000. Njoku believed the individuals asking for the checks to be cashed had prepared and filed federal income tax returns for the persons to whom the checks were issued, and those individuals had generated illegally inflated refund amounts. Njoku did not ask or seek any details but he did charge these customers a higher commission than he collected from other check cashing customers. The total amount of the checks obtained through wire fraud and cashed by Njoku was at least 300,000. Tennessee Woman Sentenced for Fraud and Money Laundering On April 4, 2016, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Jacqueline Stanfill was sentenced to 108 months in prison and was ordered to pay over 8 million in restitution to victims. In January 2016, Stanfill pleaded guilty to wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Stanfill was the owner and operator of Stanfill Wealth Management in Knoxville. Stanfill claimed to invest her clients money with legitimate investment companies, however, she converted these funds to her own personal use. In order to maintain the confidence of her clients, she created phony documents that had the appearance of account statements and correspondence from a known national investment company. She further made payments either under the guise of returning invested funds and accumulated earnings, andor by sending funds to the IRS to maintain the illusion that the clients fictitious investments were tax-deferred. California Woman Sentenced for Multimillion Dollar Mortgage Fraud Scheme On March 15, 2016, in Sacramento, California, Vera Kuzmenko, of Loomis, was sentenced to 168 months in prison. On Dec. 4, 2015, Kuzmenko was found guilty of multiple counts of mail and wire fraud, witness tampering, and money laundering associated with her involvement in a mortgage fraud scheme that cost financial institutions over 16 million. Rachel Siders, of Roseville, was also found guilty of participating in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. According to evidence presented at trial, from late 2006 through early 2008, Kuzmenko and Siders engaged in a mortgage fraud scheme involving over 30 million in residential mortgage loans on more than 30 homes purchased through straw buyers. Kuzmenko received millions of dollars for her part in the scheme. Kuzmenko, who had been a licensed real estate agent for part of the scheme, created fraudulent loan applications on behalf of the straw buyers. The loan paperwork also hid from lenders millions of dollars of payments that went to the defendants. She also served as a straw-buyer herself. Kuzmenko told various witnesses to lie to the FBI and blame a dead woman for the fraud. Four other co-defendants have been previously sentenced receiving prison terms ranging from 228 months to 96 months. Texas Businessman Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Investment Scam On March 10, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas, Armando Jesus Hernandez Leal, of Shavano Park, was sentenced to 170 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of 25,434,939 to his victims. In August 2015, Hernandez pleaded guilty to money laundering. According to court documents, Hernandez managed an estimated 80 million investment portfolio of a Mexican businessman and his family from 2005 to 2014, but had not invested his clients money like he had agreed. Hernandez spent their money to purchase homes, planes and other assets for his personal use. North Carolina Grocery Store Owner Sentenced for Theft of Government Funds On Feb. 23, 2016, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jose Alfonso Rodriguez Collado, of Wendell, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 2,502,348 in restitution to the IRS. Collado previously pleaded guilty to theft of government funds. According to court documents, Collado operated two grocery stores. In 2012, co-conspirators brought Rodriguez fraudulently obtained U. S. Treasury checks, which Rodriguez cashed without receiving identification for the individuals listed on the checks, or any other source of authority for the co-conspirators to cash the checks. Rodriguez initially was not a licensed check casher, but one co-conspirator gave him 50,000 to qualify for a check-cashing license. In exchange for cashing the fraudulently obtained U. S. Treasury checks, Rodriguez was paid a fee for cashing the checks in excess of that allowed for under North Carolina law. In addition, Rodriguez cashed checks in excess of 10,000 and failed to file Currency Transaction Reports as required by law. Former Florida CEO Sentenced in Scheme to Defraud Investors On Feb. 22, 2016, in Key West, Florida, Fred Davis Clark Jr. aka Dave Clark, the former Cay Clubs Chief Executive Officer, was sentenced to 480 months in prison for his participation in a 300 million dollar vacation rental fraud scheme. In addition, forfeiture money judgments were entered against Clark that includes 303,800,000 for the bank fraud and 3,300,000 for the SEC obstruction. There is also court-ordered forfeiture of specific overseas assets of approximately 2.6 million. Clark was convicted on Dec. 11, 2015, of three counts of bank fraud and three counts of making a false statement to a financial institution. According to court records, the scheme involved sales at Cay Clubs Resorts and Marinas (Cay Clubs), to approximately 1,400 investors. Clark also was convicted of obstruction of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in connection with the SECs efforts to investigate his conduct related to Cay Clubs. From 2004 through 2008, Cay Clubs marketed vacation rental units for locations in Florida, Las Vegas and the Caribbean, to investors throughout the United States. Despite its promises, Cay Clubs never developed the properties but operated as a Ponzi scheme, using proceeds from sales to new investors to pay overdue obligations to earlier investors. In order to meet Cay Clubs financial obligations and obtain funds for himself, Clark engaged in a serious of fraudulent mortgage transactions totaling more than 20 million worth of bank loans. Clark also used proceeds from the investor sales to purchase a gold mine, a coal reclamation project and a rum distillery for his personal benefit. Clarks co-conspirators Barry J. Graham, and Ricky Lynn Stokes, both of Ft. Myers, Florida, were both previously sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of 163,530,377 to numerous individual and financial institution victims. Former Executive Director of Charity Sentenced for Embezzlement and Money Laundering On Feb. 19, 2016, in Washington, DC, Byron Fogan, of Columbia, Maryland, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 223,568 in restitution to the victim charitable organization, as well as a forfeiture money judgment of 223,568. Fogan pleaded guilty in November 2015, to money laundering involving the proceeds of his embezzlement scheme. According to court records, Fogan was the executive director of a private charitable foundation in the District of Columbia. The Board of Directors of the foundation was comprised of Fogan, a professor and a priest. Fogan enjoyed exclusive access to, and control of, the foundations finances, including all bank accounts. From about Jan. 1, 2011, to at least May 31, 2013, Fogan illegally obtained more than 1 million from the foundation and spent much of the illegally obtained funds at casinos. Ohio Man Sentenced for Money Laundering in Connection with Costa Rica-Based Telemarketing Fraud Scheme On Feb. 18, 2016, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Paul R. Toth Jr. of Wintersville, Ohio, was sentenced to 108 months in prison and was ordered to pay 307,702 in restitution and to forfeit the same amount. Toth was convicted on Aug. 4, 2015, of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and six counts of international money laundering. According to court documents, Toths co-conspirators in Costa Rica posed as federal agents and deceived two victims, who were husband and wife, into believing that they had won a large monetary prize in a sweepstakes contest. The co-conspirators falsely told the victims that in order to receive the prize, the victims had to wire thousands of dollars to Costa Rica for a refundable insurance fee. Toth, and others he recruited and supervised, received more than 300,000 from victims and, using various individuals as senders and recipients to conceal the fraudulent nature of the transactions, wired more than 200,000 to co-conspirators in Costa Rica. Toth kept the remainder as his profit. Wisconsin Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering On Feb. 16, 2016, in Madison, Wisconsin, Patricia Hass, of Tomahawk, was sentenced to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay 381,335 in restitution to her victims. On Nov. 23, 2015, Hass pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Hass engaged in a wire fraud scheme to defraud investors by promising returns from an investment in internet pop up ads. She falsely told investors they would obtain a return from 5 to 20 times their original investment. Haas also falsely told investors that if the investment failed, she would personally guarantee the return of the original investment plus 7 interest. However, Hass did not invest any of the funds given to her for investment. Instead, she used the investment funds to pay her personal living expenses. Hass engaged in money laundering by taking the investment proceeds of new investors to pay back old investors and calling it a return on their investment. Pakistani National Sentenced in International Counterfeit Drug Conspiracy On Feb. 3, 2016, in Sherman, Texas, Muhammad Aijaz Sarfraz, from Karachi, Pakistan, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for drug trafficking violations. Sarfraz was convicted on May 14, 2015, of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances and international money laundering conspiracy. According to court records, from March 2009 until his arrest in April 2012, Sarfraz operated numerous illegal websites through which he distributed millions of illicit Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances to internet customers throughout the United States. The pills, which were counterfeit and made to look like authentic prescription medications approved for use in the United States, often contained incorrect active pharmaceutical ingredients or the wrong quantity and dosage strength of those substances. It is estimated that the criminal enterprise may have generated as much as 100 million or more in proceeds between 2009 and 2012. Florida Couple Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Structurin g On Feb. 2, 2016, in Fort Myers, Florida, Sydney Jackson Williams Jr. was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for structuring financial transactions. His wife, Lorie Ann Williams, received the same sentence on Jan. 28, 2016. A money judgment was entered in the amount of 332,500, which is the proceeds traceable to the offense, and the couple will be jointly liable for the amount. According to court documents, subsequent to two civil lawsuits being brought against him, Williams transferred more than 3 million in joint marital assets into an account in his wifes name. Between March 3, 2010, and April 22, 2010, 332,500 was withdrawn from the account in 35 separate withdrawals of 9,500 each to avoid the currency reporting requirements. Then, on Sept. 30, 2010, Sydney Jackson Williams, Jr. filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition. Former Mortgage Broker Sentenced to Prison On Feb. 2, 2016, in Reno, Nevada, Marcilin Anne Benvin, of Douglas, Alaska, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 260,000 in restitution. Benvin pleaded guilty last September to embezzlement and theft from an employee benefit plan. According to court records, from approximately 1996 to 2008, Benvin was the President and operator of Cetus Mortgage, Ltd. (Cetus). A Reno painting service company had been investing its employee pension plan money with Cetus for more than 20 years. In November 2006, Benvin told one of the trustees for the pension plan that one of its investment loans had matured. Benvin asked the trustee whether the pension plan wanted to rollover the 260,000 principal into another loan. The plan agreed, and was provided documents, including a promissory note and deed of trust, stating that it was being invested in Maverick Development. As it turned out, the documents were forged and Benvin failed to invest the loan monies as promised, and had misappropriated the investor funds for herself. To date, the pension plan has not received back any of the 260,000 that it provided to Cetus through Benvin. Cetus closed its business and filed for bankruptcy in 2008. Two Florida Brothers Sentenced for Bath Salts and Money Laundering Conspiracies On Jan. 27, 2016, in Greeneville, Tennessee, Michael Loren Sheaffer, of Pinellas Park, Florida, and Matthew Shawn Sheaffer, of Holiday, Florida, were both sentenced to 84 months in prison. Both Sheaffers were previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, assorted Schedule I controlled substances and their analogues and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2010, the Sheaffers began an elaborate criminal business of procuring, marketing, packaging, and distributing massive amounts of drugs commonly referred to as bath salts, spice, and synthetic marijuana. The Sheaffers utilized a website and a network of distributors to sell the drugs, a large portion of which were distributed from head shops and businesses in Tennessee. The resulting proceeds were then laundered, funneled back to the Sheaffers and other co-conspirators, and used to further perpetuate their drugs crimes. Niki Lyn Maxwell, of New Port Richey, Florida Gretchen Elizabeth Sheaffer, of Pinellas Park, Florida and Mitchel Lee Chambers, of Magnolia, Texas were also sentenced in this case to terms of 54 to 87 months in prison. North Carolina Man Sentenced for Crop Fraud Conspiracy, Money Laundering and Bank Fraud On Jan. 27, 2016, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Milton Russ Barnhill, of Tabor City, was sentenced to 132 months in prison, three years of supervised and ordered to pay restitution of 2,512,097 to various federal programs and a victim bank. In addition, Barnhill was ordered to forfeit the proceeds of his crimes. On Aug. 4, 2015, Barnhill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements in connection with Federal Crop Insurance making false statements in connection with Federal Crop Insurance mail fraud and money laundering. According to court records, Barnhill produced crops which he sold in the names of others. Barnhill and others then falsely reported on insurance claims that the crops were lost due to natural disasters. Barnhill also placed crops and insurance policies into the names of conspirators to boost the amount of money he could collect on the insurance claims. As a result of this fraud, Barnhill received more than 1 million. Barnhills other scheme was to supply a fictitious tobacco sales contract to a bank as collateral for a farm operating loan of about 450,000. Georgia Man Sentenced for Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business On Jan. 26, 2016, in Columbus, Georgia, Sawan Shah, aka Sunny was sentenced to 21 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit 1,357,476 for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. According to court documents, between February 2013 and March 2014, Shah, as the owner and operator of check cashing businesses, offered check cashing services to the public, including cashing of checks that exceeded 1,000. Shah knew that he and his companies were required to be registered with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and with the State of Georgia, but Shah never registered his business as as required. Shah admitted that several individuals approached him about cashing tax refund checks that were issued in the names of other individuals. Shah did so and did not require proof of identification for the individuals listed on the checks. Shah charged high fees to cash these check, due to his knowledge that the checks were involved in tax fraud. In 2013 and 2014, Shah cashed approximately 567 federal tax refund checks that totaled 1,357,476. Missouri Business Owner, Son Sentenced for 5.5 Million Fraud Scheme On Jan. 22, 2016, in Springfield, Missouri, Bruce Swisshelm, of Battlefield, and his son, Bruce Swisshelm II, of Springfield, were sentenced in separate appearances. Swisshelm was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison and ordered to pay 5,492,853 in restitution. Swisshelm II was sentenced to four weeks in custody and five years of probation and ordered to pay 100,000 in restitution. On July 22, 2015, Swisshelm pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering Swisshelm II pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony. According to court documents, Swisshelm was the owner of Horned Frog Deli, Inc. and Swisshelm Properties, Inc. Swisshelm II was the president of Swisshelm Properties. These corporations specialized in the restaurant industry and owned and developed commercial properties. Swisshelm submitted false financial documents to a bank to receive four commercial loans, totaling 5,592,583, from February to June 25, 2011. Swisshelm submitted financial statements to the bank that claimed his businesses earned a net income of more than 780,000 in 2010. Tax documents submitted by Swisshelm to the IRS revealed those businesses had losses that exceeded 1.8 million in 2010. Swisshelm II became aware that financial statements submitted to the bank by his father were false but he failed to notify authorities. CEO of Green Cleaning Product Company Sentenced for Defrauding Investors On Jan. 21, 2016, in Sacramento, California, Brent Lee Newbold, of Granite Bay, was sentenced to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay more than 2.9 million in restitution. On Sept. 3, 2015, Newbold pleaded guilty to a scheme to defraud investors that ran from October 2007 to January 2010. Newbold was the chief executive officer of Holy Cow, a business that produced a green cleaning product. According to court documents, Newbold made a variety of misrepresentations to investors about the financial health of the company, including the companys debt levels and how invested funds would be used. Between July 2008 and January 2010, Newbold solicited 13 individual investors and falsely claimed that he was authorized to act on behalf of Holy Cow that he owned Holy Cow that he owned the majority of Holy Cow stock and that Holy Cow was financially sound, stable and profitable. In some cases, Newbold provided his individual investors with false Holy Cow stock certificates, false Holy Cow purchase order reports, and corporate promissory notes. In fact, Holy Cow bore a significant amount of debt, and Newbold continued to take additional debt related to Holy Cow. Newbold used investor funds for nonbusiness purposes, diverting it to himself and his wife, paying his mortgage, and paying previous investors. By December 2009, Spence Enterprises put Holy Cow into bankruptcy as a result of the unauthorized and undisclosed debt. The loss amount was over 2.9 million. Texas Sex Trafficking Ring Leader, Co-Conspirators Sentenced On Jan. 20, 2016, in Houston, Texas, Hortencia Medeles-Arguello, aka Tencha, was sentenced to life in prison for operating a 14-defendant sex trafficking ring in Houston. Medeles-Arguello was also ordered to forfeit 15 real properties and other assets valued at about 2.5 million. On April 24, 2015, Medeles-Arguello was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, conspiracy to harbor aliens, aiding and abetting to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Medeles-Arguello made more than 1.6 million in a 19-month period by supplying the upper floor of her cantina for trade in prostitution. Medeles-Arguello knew that many of the girls prostituted at her bar were minors, forced into prostitution against their will and victims of beatings by their pimps. Additionally, Medeles-Arguello engaged in harboring illegal aliens, many who were forced into prostitution for more than 13 years. Other co-conspirators, many of them Medeles-Arguellos relatives, previously received sentences ranging from 88 months to 18 months in prison. David Garcia, Medeles-Arguellos son, is scheduled to be sentenced and Alfonso Diaz-Juarez, aka Ponco or El Grenas, a Mexican national, is a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Former Texas Resident Sentenced for 1.4 Million Ponzi Scheme On Jan. 15, 2016, in Austin, Texas, Rose Marie OReilly, formerly of La Grange, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 1,463,128 restitution for her role in a ponzi scheme. On Sept. 23, 2015, OReilly pleaded guilty to money laundering. According to court documents, OReilly admitted that, from August 2007 to August 2012, she stole money from investors through an antiques and jewelry acquisition scheme and engaged in monetary transactions with criminally derived property. As part of the scheme, OReilly convinced investors that various antiques and jewelry items purchased with their joint investment funds could be resold for a profit. The profits would be shared between the investors. Some of the antiques and jewelry pieces in her scheme included works purportedly commissioned by a deceased celebrity. OReilly convinced investors that once the lost pieces were reunited with the set, they could then sell the complete collection for the anticipated price of 21 million. OReilly also convinced investors that she could acquire, and then resell for profit, an assortment of jewelry formerly owned by an alleged criminal. International Money Launderer Sentenced On Jan. 11, 2016, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miguel Amaris-Caviedes, of Costa Rica, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Amaris-Caviedes previously pleaded guilty to two counts of knowingly conducting financial transactions that involved purported drug proceeds. According to court documents, in 2013, Amaris-Caviedes met with individuals to discuss money laundering and drug trafficking methods from Costa Rica. Amaris-Caviedes agreed to launder what he believed to be drug proceeds through four Costa Rican bank accounts and then wire transfer the proceeds, minus his commission, to any country requested. In November 2013, Amaris-Caviedes laundered more than 100,000 of purported drug proceeds through his bank accounts in Costa Rica to a bank account in Puerto Rico. Amaris-Caviedes believed that this money would be used to purchase drugs from a source of supply in Puerto Rico. New York Rapper Sentenced in Money Laundering Case On Jan. 11, 2016 in San Diego, California, rap artist Sonja Shenelle Holder, aka as the artist Sonja Blade, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for conspiring to conduct financial transactions involving the proceeds of the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine and fentanyl. According to court documents, between 2008 and 2014 Holder laundered approximately 326,545 in cash deposits that were used to pay for travel to and from the New YorkNew Jersey area to Southern California where a co-conspirator acquired cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution in New Jersey. California Man Sentenced for Drug and Money Laundering Conspiracy On Jan. 11, 2016, in Anchorage, Alaska, Phillip Dixon, Jr. aka Cheddar, of Manteca, California, was sentenced to 180 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Dixon also agreed to forfeit several cars, 3,400 in currency seized from a a bank account used to launder money, and 25,000 seized from a safe deposit box. Dixon pleaded guilty on April 16, 2015, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and conspiracy to launder money. Dixon was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that sold drugs in Alaska, but whose members were for the most part from the Stockton, California area. Between April 2012 and April 2013, Dixons criminal enterprise distributed methamphetamine and heroin throughout Alaska. The conspirators used some of the proceeds of the sale of the drugs to fund their transportation and other operating expenses of the organization. Dixon arranged for his co-defendants to use a series of bank accounts to move money made from the sale of heroin and methamphetamine. Proceeds were deposited in Alaska and withdrawn in California. In other instances, Dixon instructed members of the group to send drug sale proceeds via money orders. Eleven others have been sentenced in this investigation receiving a range of five years of probation to 108 months in prison. Former Government Contracting Official Sentenced for Bribery On Jan. 8, 2016, in Alexandria, Virginia, James Edward Addas, of Stafford, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a bribery scheme involving U. S government contracts in Iraq. Addas previously pleaded guilty to bribery and tax evasion. According to the plea agreement, in August 2004, Addas was a contracting official at the IraqAfghanistan Joint Contracting Command in the U. S. Embassy in Baghdad when the owner and CEO of a contracting company based in Jordan offered to pay him a total of 1 million in return for assistance in obtaining U. S. government contracts for major electrical construction projects and related services in Iraq. With Addas assistance, the contractors companies subsequently received at least 15 contracts, with a total value of more than 28 million. The contractor paid Addas via cash and wire transfers that totaled more than 505,000 and paid for other items valued at more than 70,000. Addas did not declare any of this income on his filed federal tax returns. North Carolina Man Sentenced for Investment Fraud Scheme On Jan. 6, 2016, in Raleigh, North Carolina, David C. Mayhew was sentenced to 320 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 2,025,300 in restitution. Mayhew was found guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Mayhew was involved in an investment fraud scheme that spanned from January 2009 to May 2012 and swindled more than 2,000,000 from investors, promising them returns as much as 100 in 30 days. Missouri Man Sentenced for Vehicle Consignment Scheme On Jan. 5, 2016, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Travis Allen Blount, Jr. of Kirbyville, and formerly of Harrison, was sentenced to 175 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay more than 900,000 in restitution to more than 80 victims. Blount was charged with mail fraud, wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to court records, from approximately 2012 until January 2015, Blount operated car lots as well as Corvettes and Classics and Als Hot Rods. Blount solicited owners of classic and vintage vehicles to place their valuable vehicles with him on consignment, promising to pay the owners after the sale of their cars. Blount defrauded the owners by selling their cars and keeping the money for himself. Blount also defrauded car buyers by accepting payment for the cars he sold and not delivering the vehicles or the car titles to the buyers. Nevada Man Sentenced for Shipping Illegal Drugs and Money Laundering On Dec. 29, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Damien Williams, was sentenced to 151 months in prison, plus two additional consecutive years in prison. Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to launder money, and aggravated identity theft. According to the plea agreement, between May 2012 and October 2013, Williams used the identification documents of Goldie Cage to obtain a Nevada identification card, rent an apartment, obtain an automobile loan, and open bank accounts. During the same period, Williams was sending packages of controlled substances, including codeine and marijuana, to people in Tennessee and Texas. Williams received approximately 856,000 in proceeds, which were deposited by others into the bank accounts that Williams had opened under Cages name. Williams would then withdraw the funds and use them in furtherance of additional illegal drug activities. The deposits and withdrawals were structured in amounts of less than 10,000 in order to avoid federal bank reporting requirements. Leaders of 28.5 Million Drug Conspiracy Sentenced On Dec. 15, 2015, in Kansas City, Kansas, Eduardo Perez-Alcala, of Independence, Missouri, and Hector Aguilera, of Sugar Creek, Missouri, were each sentenced to 162 months in prison. Both previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Perez-Alcala and Aguilera were leaders of a 28.5 million drug trafficking organization. Aguilera was the recipient of shipments of cocaine from Perez-Alcala as well as two other Mexican sources of supply. During the investigation more than 2 million in cash, 194 firearms, 29 vehicles, 26 kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of crack were seized and forfeited. Doctor Who Made Over 1.3 Million Selling Unlawful Prescriptions Sentenced On Dec. 14, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sebastian M. Paulin, Jr. was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit over 1.3 million. Paulin pleaded guilty in September to distribution of a controlled substance and structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements. According to court documents, Dr. Paulin was a Nevada-licensed physician who operated the Dr. Paulin Medical Center. Dr. Paulin was the only physician working at the practice. Paulin sold prescriptions for pain medications to persons who did not have a medical necessity for them. Dr. Paulins medical practice generated large amounts of cash. Between Feb. 7 and Aug. 30, 2011, Dr. Paulin made 67 separate deposits totaling approximately 700,000 into personal bank accounts he controlled. Each deposit was structured in such a manner as to evade the filing of currency transaction reports. Former Secret Service Agent Sentenced in Scheme Related to Silk Road Investigation On Dec. 7, 2015, in San Francisco, California, Shaun W. Bridges, of Laurel, Maryland, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to forfeit more than 650,000. Bridges previously pleaded guilty to money laundering and obstructing justice. According to court documents, Bridges was a former Secret Service special agent. Between 2012 and 2014, Bridges was assigned to the Baltimore Silk Road Task Force, a multi-agency group investigating illegal activity on the Silk Road, a covert online marketplace for illicit goods, primarily drugs. Bridges used account information obtained during the January 2013 search and arrest of Curtis Green, a customer support representative on Silk Road. Bridges used the information to reset passwords and pins of various accounts on Silk Road and move approximately 20,000 bitcoin from those accounts into a bitcoin wallet that Bridges controlled. Between March and May 2015, after further bitcoin transfers, Bridges liquidated the bitcoin into 820,000 in U. S. currency. Bridges is the second of two federal agents to be sentenced in connection with the investigation. Carl M. Force, a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for his theft and diversion of over 700,000 in digital currency to which he gained control as part of undercover role on the Baltimore Silk Road Task Force. Florida Police Officer Sentenced for Role in Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy On Dec. 2, 2015, in Newark, New Jersey, Ralph Mata, aka the Milk Man, of Broward County, Florida, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, five years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit 75,405. Mata previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a narcotics conspiracy, conspiring to distribute cocaine and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity. According to court documents, Mata was a former lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Police Department, Internal Affairs. From June 2012 through November 2012, Mata purchased and smuggled at least six firearms which were ultimately provided to members of the Juan Arias Drug Trafficking Organization. Mata also provided guidance to Juan Arias about importing and distributing cocaine. He also engaged in monetary transactions in property derived from the sale of narcotics. On March 28, 2013, Mata traveled from Miami to New Jersey and received approximately 60,000 in narcotics proceeds. Using a portion of that 60,000, Mata made separate 10,000 cash deposits at two different bank locations. Mata accepted a total of approximately 100,000 in cash and gifts from the Juan Arias drug trafficking organization. Alabama Woman Sentenced for Fraudulent Income Tax Refund Scheme On Dec. 1, 2015, in Birmingham, Alabama, Angelique B. Harris, of Madison, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of 658,978 to the IRS. Harris was also required to forfeit a 2013 Lexus ES350 automobile. In July 2015, Harris pleaded guilty to theft of government property and money laundering as part of a tax-refund scheme. According to court documents, Harris, with the aid of others, stole U. S. Treasury refunds between February 2013 and February 2014. A refund paid on a fraudulent return was deposited into a bank account Harris opened. Former Tax Preparer Sentenced in 20 Million Tax Fraud Scheme On Dec. 1, 2015, in Richmond, Virginia, Sean M. Weaver, of Alexandria, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay 20,427,688 in restitution. Weaver pleaded guilty on Aug. 19, 2015, to mail fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Weaver was a member of a transaction tax practice group which specialized in submitting claims to obtain refunds of sales and use tax overpayments by corporate clients. Between October 2011 and December 2014, Weaver caused the submission of several false claims for sales andor use tax refunds on behalf of two clients. As a result of the scheme, over 20 million in fraudulent refunds were issued to the clients and Weaver received over 350,000 in personal bonus payments generated by the scheme. Mexican Man Sentenced in Kansas for Laundering 4.7 Million in Drug Funds On Dec. 1, 2015, in Wichita, Kansas, Franz Wiebe Rempel, of Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for laundering more than 4.7 million in drug funds through his bank accounts in Kansas and elsewhere. Rempel pleaded guilty to money laundering. According to his plea, Rempel provided his bank account numbers so that another conspirator could distribute the information to others. Rempel had an understanding with the conspirator that third parties would deposit cash into his bank accounts. The deposits would be less than 10,000 in an attempt to avoid federal currency reporting requirements. Once Rempel received the funds, he would transfer or move the money through the U. S. financial system at the other conspirators direction. Rempel crossed the border from his home in Mexico almost on a weekly basis in order to move funds. Ultimately, most of the money wound up in the other conspirators hands. Rempel did not know the identities of the people making the deposits but he knew the funds were being transferred for the purpose of paying for drugs. North Carolina Construction Company, Its President and Co-Defendants Sentenced On Nov. 23, 2015, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Boggs Paving, Inc. (Boggs Paving) was sentenced to pay a 500,000 fine. Its president and part-owner, Carl Andrew Drew Boggs, III, of Waxhaw, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. According to court documents, from 2003 through 2013, Boggs Paving, Drew Boggs, and their co-defendants engaged in a scheme by which they fraudulently obtained federally and state funded construction contracts by falsely certifying that a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), or a small business enterprise (SBE) would perform and be paid for portion of the work on those contracts. Boggs Paving and the co-defendants used Styx Cuthbertson Trucking Company, Inc. (Styx), a road construction hauler, to funnel the majority of the money back to Boggs Paving and its affiliates and to pay kickbacks to John Cuthbertson, owner of Styx. From June 2004 to July 2013, Boggs Paving was the prime contractor on 35 federally-funded contracts, and was a subcontractor for two additional contracts, worth over 87.6 million. Boggs Paving claimed DBE credits of approximately 3.7 million on these contracts for payments purportedly made to Styx, however, Styx only received approximately 375,432. Kevin Hicks, Arnold Mann, Greg Tucker, John Cuthbertson (aka Styx Cuthbertson) and Greg Miller were sentenced to terms ranging from probation to 15 months in prison. Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic Drugs On Nov. 23, 2015, in Greeneville, Tennessee, Mitchell Lee Chambers, of Magnolia, Texas, formerly of Clearwater, Florida, was sentenced to 87 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit approximately 500,000 in assets. Chambers pleaded guilty in August 2015 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Chambers, and others, conspired to distribute controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption as well as conduct financial transactions in the proceeds of the drug trafficking to promote the distribution of the synthetic drugs. Chambers became involved in the sale of smokable synthetic cannabinoid products while residing in Atlanta in 2010. He formed a business there to market incense and fake weed products. Upon moving to Clearwater, he formed a business with other individuals to sell controlled substance analogues through the internet, phone and text messages. Texas Man Sentenced for Role in Scheme Stolen Identity Theft Refund Scheme On Nov. 20, 2015, in Dallas, Texas, Benjamin Kinyua, of Plano, was sentenced to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay 480,643 in restitution. Kinyau pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds and aiding and abetting. Co-conspirators Thomas Nganga Muya and Harry Fabrice Cheickh Amont were previously sentenced to 27 and 30 months in prison, respectively. According to court documents, from 2012 through May 17, 2013, Kinyua regularly acquired and cashed U. S. Treasury checks, as well as third-party tax refund checks that he knew had either been stolen or obtained by fraud. Missouri Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering On Nov. 19, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri, Rudolfo Villareal, also known as Gordo and Rudy, was sentenced to 151 month in prison. On March 18, 2015, Villareal pleaded guilty to being the leader of a conspiracy that distributed 20 kilograms of cocaine and 8,095 kilograms of marijuana over a five-year period from April 2007 to April 2012 and money laundering. Six co-defendants in addition to Villareal have been sentenced in this case receiving prison terms ranging from one to fifteen years in prison. Nebraska Men Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Money On Nov. 18, 2015, in Omaha, Nebraska, Doroteo Manuel Ponce was sentenced to 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release. On Nov. 17, 2015, co-defendant Gilbert Navarro was sentenced to 60 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Both previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Ponce arranged for large quantities of methamphetamine to be shipped and distributed. Ponce directed others to deposit monetary proceeds from drug trafficking into various bank accounts in order to funnel that money back to Ponces suppliers to pay for the drugs. Navarro, who owned Navarro Construction, used his business equipment and company trucks to unload and deliver the marijuana to his customers. California Man Sentenced for Money Laundering On Nov. 18, 2015, in South Bend, Indiana, Brian M. Kandefer, of San Diego, California, was sentenced to 121 months in prison and ordered to pay 1.4 million dollars in restitution. Kandefer previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Kandefer was a 50 owner of K2 Capital Management Inc. dba US Mortgage Bailout. US Mortgage Bailout sold mortgage loan modification products and services. From 2009 through 2010, Kandefer, and others, used false advertising to defraud clients. Clients were not properly represented and, in some cases, documentation was falsified regarding income and other financials. Despite claiming to have a refund policy, clients did not receive any refunds despite requests. Fugitive from Justice Sentenced for Laundering Illegal Drug Proceeds On Oct. 6, 2015, in Newark, New Jersey, Reinaldo Jimenez, most recently of Madrid, Spain, was sentenced to 96 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Jimenez was previously convicted in 1998 of conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, from October 1996 through March 14, 1997, Jimenez knowingly laundered nearly 700,000 in drug proceeds collected by co-defendants in New Jersey and elsewhere. Jimenez took possession of the cash in 15,000 bundles wrapped in newspaper and scotch tape and then made numerous small deposits into personal, family and business accounts to avoid triggering mandatory reporting requirements. Jimenez then wired the laundered funds to cartel contacts in Columbia and Venezuela. Florida Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering On Nov. 12, 2015, in Charleston, West Virginia, Lester W. Taylor, of Daytona Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 120 months in prison and ordered to pay a 10,000 fine. Taylor previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges concerning distribution of oxycodone and laundering the proceeds of his criminal activities. According to court documents, from January 2010 through May 2014, Taylor was involved in trafficking pills from Florida to West Virginia using a variety of illicit methods. Taylor also admitted to obtaining prescriptions for oxycodone and hydromorphone from physicians in Florida and then having the prescriptions filled at pharmacies in West Virginia. After distributing the pills, Taylors co-conspirators deposited the proceeds in West Virginia bank accounts bearing Taylors name. Taylor would then withdraw the money in Florida in an effort to conceal the source of the cash and the pills. Former Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Orchestrating Massive Mortgage Fraud On Nov. 12, 2015, in Boston, Massachusetts, Michael David Scott, of Mansfield, was sentenced to 135 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over 11,374,201 in restitution and forfeit 7,413,712. In June 2015, Scott pleaded guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. According to court documents, from September 2006 to April 2008, Scott, a former realtor and developer, arranged to purchase multi-family residences and then sold individual condominium units in the buildings to straw buyers recruited by him and his co-conspirators. Scott submitted mortgage loan applications that falsely represented key information, such as the buyers income, personal assets, down payment and intention to reside in the condominiums. The mortgage lenders were led to believe that the straw buyers had made substantial down payments and paid substantial sums at closings. Ohio Man Sentenced For Selling Bath Salts and Synthetic Drugs On Nov. 10, 2015, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, John Skruck, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in distributing bath salts and synthetic drugs. Skruck will also forfeit multiple parcels of real property, U. S. currency and bank accounts, vehicles, heavy equipment, a trailer, and a professional embroidery machine. Skruck pleaded guilty in December 2014 to drug conspiracy and structuring monetary transactions to evade the reporting requirement. According to court documents, Skruck was a manager of the Hot Stuff Cool Things retail shops in Clarksburg and Buckhannon, where he distributed the bath salts and synthetic drugs. In addition, he structured financial transactions to avoid reporting more than 200,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. Two Men Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms On Nov. 9, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri, Donald Morgan, also known as Rone, and Derrick K. Vaughn, both of Kansas City, were sentenced in separate appearances to 140 months in prison without parole and 72 months in prison without parole, respectively. On April 30, 2015, Morgan and Vaughn each pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Morgan also pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana and to money laundering. Vaughn also pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. According to court documents, Morgan admitted that he purchased a residence in Kansas City, Mo. with the proceeds of drug trafficking. He provided a co-defendant with two checks in order to close on the property, in an effort to conceal the true origin of the funds. Vaughn admitted that he occupied a bedroom in this house, where he possessed eight bags of crack cocaine totaling 2.35 grams, which he intended to distribute, as well as the handgun. Morgan used the residence and another residence as storage and distribution hubs for his cocaine and marijuana supplies. Morgan specifically admitted that on Feb. 21, 2012, he stored distribution amounts of marijuana and 79,980 in drug proceeds at one of the residences. Co-defendant Rudolfo Villareal, also known as Gordo and Rudy, and others supplied Morgan with distribution amounts of cocaine and marijuana. Villareal pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and to money laundering, and awaits sentencing. Three others have been sentenced in this case receiving prison time ranging from four years to 15 years in prison. Owner of Unlicensed Money Transmitter Business Sentenced for Failing to File Currency Transaction Reports and Illegally Sending Money to Cuba On Nov.5, 2015, Karell Cordero, of Hialeah, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release for failing to file Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) and illegally sending money to Cuba. The defendant also agreed to forfeit 480,622 in United States currency representing the funds seized in connection with the offense. Cordero previously pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitter business. According to court documents, between June 2012 and May 2014, Cordero owned and operated K amp Y Multiservices in Hialeah, Florida, where he received euros and exchanged them for U. S. dollars. These transactions often involved sums of tens of thousands of dollars, but Cordero did not submit CTRs or other forms or reports that must be submitted to the Treasury Department. On occasion, Cordero conducted these transactions to exchange money knowing it was derived from unlawful activity and did not file a CTR or any other required report on either occasion. Corderos business also involved collecting money from persons in the United States who wanted to send it to persons in Cuba. Cordero knew that he was prohibited under U. S. law from sending currency from the United States to Cuba. He used many of the euros he obtained from his money exchange business for this purpose. Cordero handled approximately 800,000 in foreign currency exchanges and transmissions of money to Cuba without filing CTRs or otherwise reporting the money to any governmental regulatory or law enforcement agencies as required by law. In addition, Cordero and his company were not licensed as a money transmitter, money service business, or foreign currency exchange. President and CEO of Private Equity Group Sentenced On Nov. 4, 2015, in Norfolk, Virginia, Ayanna N. James, of Virginia Beach, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay 4,592,300 in restitution to her victims. On May 15, 2015, James pleaded guilty to mail fraud and unlawful monetary transactions. According to court records, James was the president and CEO of Wilson Capital Group, Inc. a private equity firm which she claimed controlled billions of dollars in investor participation. Claiming she controlled a legitimate company, James, and other known conspirators, solicited funds from clients by promising to secure capital and other financing through purported Standby Letters of Credit and other fraudulent means. James never invested in anything and instead immediately converted the funds entrusted to her company to her own personal use to fund her extravagant lifestyle. Massachusetts Man Sentenced for 3.1 Million Forex Investment Fraud On Nov. 2, 2015, in Boston, Massachusetts, Marcellus Lopes Lee, of Quincy, was sentenced to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Lee was also ordered to pay restitution of 3,159,632, and forfeit his Quincy home, which he purchased with fraud proceeds. In August 2015, Lee pleaded guilty to 16 counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering in connection with his scheme to defraud 3.1 million from sixty-five individuals. According to court documents, Lee owned and operated Taurus Global Markets, Ltd. (TGM), an entity which Lee held out as a company that engaged in foreign currency trading (forex) on behalf of investors. Lee defrauded investors by convincing them to wire funds to TGMs Belize bank account for the purpose of trading in the highly-risky forex market. Lee, however, did not trade the investor money and instead used it for his personal expenses. Eventually, most investors were told that most or all of their money had been lost in forex trading when, in reality, Lee had simply spent it. Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Marijuana Trafficking and Money Laundering On Oct. 14, 2015, in Boston, Massachusetts, Huy Anh Henry Lam, of Worcester, was sentenced to 84 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Lam was also ordered to forfeit property and pay a money judgment of 500,000. In February 2015, Lam pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, money laundering conspiracy, structuring conspiracy, structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements, money laundering, and unlawful monetary transactions. According to court documents, from 2010 to 2014, Lam trafficked at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, which generated millions of dollars in proceeds. He then used the laundered drug proceeds to purchase property in Worcester and luxury vehicles. Co-defendants Nhi Ai Thi Lam and Diemphuc Thi Lam were previously sentenced to 18 months in prison and 12 months and a day in prison respectively. Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 28-Nov-2016