An indictment was unsealed in Nashville, Tennessee, charging nine members of a multi-state money laundering organization, including individuals from Houston, Texas. The organization is accused of laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, such as business email compromise schemes.
Among the defendants are Samson A. Omoniyi, Carlesha L. Perry, Lauren O. Guidry, and Caira Y. Osby, all from Houston. According to court documents, they were part of a long-running operation since November 2016. The alleged conspirators organized their scheme by employing recruiters, or “herders,” to enlist and guide “money mules” in laundering funds acquired through internet frauds aimed at businesses and individuals both within the United States and internationally. Sham companies were used to conceal the fraud proceeds, with the conspiracy agreeing to launder over $20 million.
In addition to internet fraud, the group is said to have engaged in romance scams, establishing trust with victims through romantic relationships before deceitfully demanding money. Furthermore, the defendants are accused of duping victims into sending money under the pretense of needing funds to access substantial inheritances.
The defendants were arrested in a coordinated takedown across three jurisdictions. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison. The FBI’s Nashville and Salt Lake City Field Offices, along with the Boise Resident Agency, are investigating the case, with significant assistance from the FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team.
This case highlights the involvement of individuals from Texas in a nationwide money laundering scheme, underscoring the importance of ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and financial crimes.
Trial Attorneys Kenneth Kaplan and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee, are prosecuting the case.
-Trisha Garcia
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