Houssam El-Atat, International Money Laundering, New York 2024

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Canadian Man Extradited on International Money Laundering Charges

Buffalo NY – Houssam El-Atat, 44, of Montreal, Canada, was extradited from Spain and made an initial appearance today on a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to engage in international money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the extradition and El-Atat’s initial appearance, stating that the defendant is accused of being involved in a complex scheme to launder money through a Bank of America account in Buffalo, NY. According to the complaint, an individual in Buffalo (Victim 1) was scammed out of $295,373.75 after being tricked into wiring the funds to a Bank of America account believing it was for a boat purchase.

The FBI investigation, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, revealed that the funds were then quickly disbursed to a number of apparent shell companies before being distributed to El-Atat. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that El-Atat faces serious charges and a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

El-Atat made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on September 13, 2024. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Spanish authorities to secure his arrest and extradition.

The FBI, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, led the investigation with assistance from the Sûreté du Québec Provincial Police. The complaint is the result of a thorough investigation that uncovered a complex web of deceit and financial crimes.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and El-Atat is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, El-Atat faces serious consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence and significant fines.