Most people who are alleged to have broken the law are far from criminal masterminds that the police and prosecutors often try to portray. Typically, they are average folks who got caught up in a mess that they can’t figure out how to get out of.
While these messes can indeed be very serious, sometimes people find themselves involved in situations that have gone beyond their control. That can happen frequently with those accused of being money mules.
How it could happen to you
A percentage of money mule charges arise out of scams that are either associated with romance or employment. One person responds to a personal ad for companionship or sends their resume to a “recruiter” for a job.
The problem is that their new online partner wants them to wire them money or gift cards, and the “job” consists of opening bank accounts and converting dollars into cryptocurrency.
Hi-tech money laundering
These are the newest ways criminals are engaging in the age-old practice of “washing” their dirty money from drug sales or human trafficking and making it clean again. Getting yourself caught up in these circumstances will almost certainly lead to criminal charges at some future point.
Start out innocent but become witting
Some of those facing money laundering charges began innocently but over time allegedly became witting or even complicit accomplices. They were likely receiving commissions for each transaction, possibly supplementing Social Security pensions or low-income work wages.
Strategize a robust defense to money mule charges
No one wants a felony federal conviction on their criminal record. Fight back against the white-collar crime charges you face by crafting a viable defense to the allegations.