⏱ 2 min read
A brazen gold smuggling ring smuggled hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold and platinum into the US from Colombia in 2018. Walpole man Thomas Cataloni, 46, was at the helm, using his co-conspirators to send cash to Colombia to buy the precious metals.
To avoid detection, the gold was melted down and formed into crude jewelry like chains and keychains. The jewelry was then worn by individuals flying into the US without declaring the gold.
Cataloni was convicted in January 2026 of conspiracy to smuggle goods, international money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was sentenced to 4 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release.
Two of Cataloni’s co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty, with one sentenced earlier this year and the other set to be sentenced later.
Assistant US Attorneys Brian J. Sullivan and Samuel R. Feldman prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance from Customs & Border Protection, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and the Canton and Walpole Police Departments.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: Money Laundering
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
