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Florida Woman Pleads Guilty To Money Laundering Charges
In a major blow to international money laundering operations, Michele Lasso-Barraza, 30, of Parkland, Florida, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany, New York.
Lasso-Barraza, who faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, also agreed to forfeit her interest in $8 million generated by an illegal gambling business.
The illegal gambling business, run by co-defendant Philip Gurian, 52, of Boca Raton, Florida, used internet websites that allowed bettors to place thousands of wagers from the Capital District, Florida, Indiana, California, Texas, and Nevada. Lasso-Barraza admitted to participating in the laundering of at least $8 million on behalf of Gurian that was generated from the illegal gambling business.
The money was transferred to offshore accounts in Panama, Andorra, and the Cayman Islands. Lasso-Barraza created some sham entities and then set up some of the accounts in the names of those sham entities.
As part of the plea, Lasso-Barraza agreed to forfeit her interest in $8 million. Sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2014, at 12:30 pm before Judge D’Agostino in Albany.
The case is the result of a joint investigation initiated by the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and joined by the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, the Saratoga District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Broward County Money Laundering Task Force.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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