Linda B. Massey, Money Laundering, South Carolina 2023

A 70-year-old Greenwood woman has been sentenced for money laundering after operating an illegal money transmission business. Linda B. Massey, a resident of Greenwood, pleaded guilty to operating an illegal money transmission business in federal court in Greenville.

According to evidence presented at the change of plea hearing, Massey agreed to work with a co-conspirator who was believed to be residing on the Indian subcontinent. The co-conspirator instructed Massey on creating a limited liability company known as Prime Technologies, and she was told she could keep 10 percent of the funds collected if she transmitted the 90 percent to him.

Massey received payments from American citizens who believed their computers were infected with a virus. Operatives from a call center in India convinced these victims that their computers needed to be fixed and installed worthless or malicious software on their computers. The computer owners paid for these services by sending a check made out to Prime Technologies to an address controlled by Massey.

Massey deposited the checks and wired a portion of the monies to India. Law enforcement estimates that the losses to the victims exceed $500,000. Massey faces a maximum penalty of a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.

United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Charleston will impose sentence after Massey has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Contact Bill Watkins at (864) 282-2100 for more information.

Ms. Massey’s actions not only caused significant financial losses to the victims but also compromised the security of their computers. Her conviction serves as a warning to others who engage in similar activities.

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