Money laundering is a serious crime that involves concealing the true origin of money obtained through illegal activities.
A Ghanaian National and a resident of Florida have been indicted for their involvement in a money laundering scheme that netted over $600,000.
Detectives discovered that David Kakra Mensah, 30, of Accra, Ghana, and Charles Wilson Stout, 65, of Ocala, Florida, conspired to launder the funds between April 2022 and June 2022.
The money was obtained from a business email compromise scam that targeted an educational institution in Washington, D.C.
Mensah and Stout used a shell company and multiple bank and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal the true nature of the funds.
The indictment charges Mensah and Stout with one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Both defendants are currently being held pending trial.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo handling the prosecution.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
**Mandatory Facts:**
**Defendant/Respondent:** David Kakra Mensah, 30, and Charles Wilson Stout, 65
**Criminal Charges:** One count of money laundering
**City and State:** Pittsburgh, PA
**Date:** September 12, 2023 (indictment), October 4, 2023 (unsealed)
**Sentence or Outcome:** Currently detained pending trial, maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
**Dollar Amounts:** Over $600,000
Related Federal Cases
- David Smerling, Money Laundering, Massachusetts 2025 · Puerto Rico
- Alexander Rafael Sanchez, Money Laundering Conspiracy, Florida 2023 · Maryland
- Fathallah Mashali, Healthcare Fraud, Money Laundering, Massachusetts 2017 · Massachusetts
- Fathallah Mashali, Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering, Massachusetts 2017 · Washington
- Hanibal Tayeh, Fraud and Money Laundering, Massachusetts 2024 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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