Money laundering is a crime often associated with organized crime and racketeering operations. In general, money laundering describes a financial transaction or multiple transactions made with proceeds gained through criminal activities. An individual or organization may engage in money laundering to hide the source, control, location, or ownership of money and other proceeds acquired through criminal conduct. After it's laundered, income will appear to be from legitimate sources and will get reported for tax purposes.
New York Money Laundering Laws: The Basics
For the purposes of New York's money laundering statute, criminal conduct is defined as any act in violation of New York state laws. A crime in violation of another state's laws or federal laws can also qualify as an unlawful source of proceeds in a money laundering prosecution as long as the prohibited act is also unlawful in New York.
| Statute | New York Penal Law Article 470, et seq. |
| Statutory Definition of Money Laundering (Abbreviated) | A person is guilty of money laundering when, knowing that the property involved in one or more financial transactions represents the proceeds of criminal conduct, he or she conducts one or more such financial transactions which in fact involve the proceeds of specified criminal conduct with intent to:
New York's money laundering statute is quite complex; see the statute for additional scenarios prohibited under the law. |
| "Financial Transactions" in the Context of Money Laundering | Any deposits, wire transfers, payments, sales, purchases, loans, extensions of credit, transfers of title, and currency exchanges. Any other acts made through or by a financial institution such as a bank, broker, credit union, loan company, travel agency, or another type of business may also qualify as transactions for the purpose of money laundering. |
| Defenses to Money Laundering Charges |
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| Penalties and Sentences |
Fines of up to twice the value of the monetary transactions made to engage in money laundering may be imposed. |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- please contact a New York criminal attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Different Degrees of Money Laundering Charges
New York state laws define financial transactions as New York establishes money laundering offenses from the fourth degree to the first degree. The degree of the money laundering offense often depends on the total value of the financial transactions. In addition, New York state laws allow for an increase in the degree of money laundering if the proceeds come from sales of controlled substances or drug trafficking.
State laws also establish specific offenses when money laundering involves terrorist organizations or supports terrorism.
New York Money Laundering Laws: Related Resources
Charge With Money Laundering? Let an Attorney Help You
Money laundering is a very serious charge that typically hints at other underlying crimes, such as drug smuggling or prostitution. If you have been charged with the crime, you will want to speak with a lawyer right away. Get started today by contacting a New York defense attorney near you.
