Six people have been arrested in Los Angeles on Aug. 28 after allegedly facilitating a “crime tourism” group comprised of South Americans and other individuals who engaged in burglaries and thefts throughout the United States, and then laundered millions in illicit proceeds.
The six individuals were charged by a federal grand jury on Aug. 1, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
That indictment charged seven defendants in total with multiple felonies, including wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and structuring transactions to avoid federal financial reporting requirements.
If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud and money laundering-related count, up to 10 years in federal prison for each structuring count, and up to five years in federal prison for the conspiracy to transport stolen property interstate count.
“Crime tourism is a major problem impacting not just Southern California, but our entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.
“These defendants facilitated and directed crime tourists who committed hundreds of robberies across the country—in essence, they acted as quarterbacks for a team of thieves,” Estrada said. “We will continue to work with our local partners to hold accountable those who would come to our country and take advantage of our liberties to steal from the American people.” […]
— Read More: www.theepochtimes.com
