Nine people are accused by federal prosecutors of running a money laundering network that laundered millions of dollars from online fraud schemes, including business email compromise frauds, in an indictment that was released in Nashville, Tennessee. Coordinated across three jurisdictions, the arrests represent a major step in breaking up the accused criminal business.
According to the indictment, the group, which has been in operation since November 2016, was set up with recruiters or herders who used money mules to transfer the proceeds of illicit activity. These money, which were acquired through frauds that targeted people and companies both domestically and abroad, were transferred through front firms and sham companies in order to hide their true source and provide financial support to the organization.
The defendants are accused of conspiring to commit money laundering: Samson A. Omoniyi, 43, of Houston; Misha L. Cooper, 50, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Robert A. Cooper, 66, of Murfreesboro; Carlesha L. Perry, 36, of Houston; Whitney D. Bardley, 30, of Florissant, Mo.; Lauren O. Guidry, 32, of Houston; Caira Y. Osby, 44, of Houston; Dazai S. Harris, 34, of Murfreesboro; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro. The group allegedly laundered more than $20 million in illegal gains, according to federal prosecutors.
The FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team assisted the Nashville Field Office, Salt Lake City Field Office, and Boise Resident Agency in their investigation. According to the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, the defendants are accused of taking part in a complex plot to transfer millions of dollars in fraud proceeds through a complex web of front companies and accomplices.
The suspects may each spend up to 20 years in federal prison if found guilty. A federal district court judge will decide sentences based on sentencing considerations and statutory guidelines.
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