U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina has launched a new strike against the scourge of money laundering by establishing the Illicit Finance Task Force (IFTF). The effort is set to crack down on the transnational laundering of criminal proceeds, focusing on those exploiting money services, cryptos, and other financial avenues. The IFTF is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to pursue and dismantle organizations entangled in these illicit operations.
"Money talks," Easley stated, emphasizing the resolve to track and intercept the flow of illicit funds. "And we will follow every lead it gives us." He detailed the intent to target cartels and corrupt entities that manipulate the American financial system. Easley's announcement underscored that the IFTF is ready to deliver a serious blow to networks channeling dirty money through the state.
The task force achieved early success with the prosecution of Wimel Isaac DaSilva, a New Yorker who pleaded guilty to running an illegal money-transmitting business and making false statements to financial institutions. As outlined in court details, DaSilva's company operated under the guise of a consulting firm while funneling drug money and other illicit proceeds to accounts in South America, handling over $40 million in cryptocurrency transactions from 2019 to 2022.
Under the Bank Secrecy Act, banks and Virtual Currency Exchanges (VCEs) are required to have rigorous Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols in place. DaSilva sought to circumvent these protective measures with false statements concerning his business activities, fabricating documents to disguise the origin and destination of the funds. Special Agent in Charge Donald "Trey" Eakins of the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office lauded the plea as a testament to the diligent work and commitment of IRS Special Agents.
Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF) are working jointly in the ongoing investigation led by the newly formed IFTF. The task force's mission is to use criminal and civil laws strategically in fighting money laundering activities that impact North Carolina. More information on DaSilva's case can be found on the official website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-252-M on PACER, as stated in the announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
