Money-Laundering FBI Official Accused Of Working With The Russians

These days, it is extremely risky to do business with Russian entities. That being said, many people are choosing to establish questionable business ties with the nation – even FBI agents. The United States government isn’t afraid to crack down on its own employees, and this should serve as a dire warning to anyone engaged in questionable practices like money laundering, wire fraud, or even outright treason. Because if they’re willing to put FBI agents in prison for working with the Russians, imagine what they’ll do to the average New Yorker.

Former Special Agent Charges with Money Laundering and Violating IEEPA 

On January 23rd, it was reported that a former Special Agent of the FBI had been arrested on charges of money laundering, conspiring to commit money laundering, and violating the IEEPA. Also known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the IEEPA has been used to create sanctions against Russia and regulate economic activity on an international scale. In the absence of open military conflict against Russia, the IEEPA has been one of the main vehicles used by the Biden administration to push back against Russia and their involvement with the Ukraine conflict.

The amazing thing about this situation is that the FBI agent was once put in charge of the New York Counterintelligence Division. The trouble began back in 2018, when the FBI agent retired from his post at the Counterintelligence Division. During his time on the agency, he investigated a number of Russian oligarchs. As time passed, the agent got in contact with an old colleague who worked as a Russian interpreter for the courts. Together, they conspired to provide services to a Russian oligarch in 2021 – a direct violation of the IEEPA.

What followed was a tangle of shell corporations, online aliases, forged signatures, and other means of deception. The end result was a money laundering operation that allowed the Russian oligarch to circumvent sanctions and continue raking in cash. When questioned by the FBI about his relationship to the oligarch, the interpreter lied in a recorded interview. Now, the FBI agent faces three counts – each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. It may be that the courts will throw the book at him, especially when you consider the tensions between Russia and the United States – and the need to score political points on the global stage.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in New York 

If you are facing allegations of money laundering, working with the Russians, or a combination of both, it’s imperative that you get in touch with a qualified, experienced New York criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Choose Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law, and get started immediately with an effective defense strategy. With our help, you can fight for your rights, protect your reputation, mitigate legal consequences, and strive for the best possible results. Get in touch today, because time is of the essence.

Sources: 

justice.gov/opa/pr/former-special-agent-charge-fbi-new-york-counterintelligence-division-charged-violating-us

theepochtimes.com/former-top-fbi-counterterrorism-official-arrested-doj-announces_5004122.html?welcomeuser=1