Jury Convicts Brooklyn Man of Money Laundering Scheme
In a recent court case, a Brooklyn federal jury convicted Alex Levin, aged 55, for helping an international crew of thieves to steal millions of dollars worth of cash and jewelry in Eastern Europe. The jury found Alex guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate the Travel Act.
The scheme, which was proved between 2015 and 2019, involved Levin and a group of criminals who targeted foreign banks with weak security features. The crew of thieves targeted banks in Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, North Macedonia, and other places. Levin’s co-conspirators pretended to be bank customers and rented safe deposit boxes. This gave them access to safe deposit rooms. Once in the safe deposit rooms, the individuals used specialized equipment to take pictures of inside customers’ safe deposit boxes. These images were then used to create duplicate keys, enabling the theft of money and valuables.
According to United States Attorney Peace, Alex Levin played an integral role in the highly sophisticated and well-organized crew of thieves. Levin’s role was in Brooklyn, where he laundered the money that the crew stole. For instance, around the time there were several bank robberies in Ukraine, a company used in the illegal scheme transferred the illicit funds to the defendant. In July 2015, the company wired $150,000 to Levin, who then transferred over $144,000 to a co-conspirator who participated in the thefts. The defendant also used bank accounts in the U.S., including some located in the Eastern District of New York, to buy the equipment used to break into the safe deposit boxes, including borescopes. A borescope is a tool used to visually inspect inaccessible confined spaces.
The offender now faces up to ten years in prison.
Understanding Conspiracy To Commit Money Laundering
Simply put, money laundering is the process of disguising the source of unlawfully obtained money. This activity makes illegally obtained money appear to have come from a legitimate source. The concealment is typically done by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.
Conspiracy to commit money laundering generally involves a network of criminal accomplices and an understanding of the best ways to launder illegally obtained money. The conspiracy charge applies when the group plans or takes steps towards executing the money laundering activities. This is true even if the laundering itself is not fully completed.
Understanding Conspiracy To Violate the Travel Act
The Travel Act, codified in Title 18 U.S. Code 1952, is a federal law that makes it a crime to travel in interstate or foreign commerce or use the mail or any facility in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of furthering illegal activity.
The crime of conspiracy to violate the Travel Act occurs when two or more people agree to use interstate or international travel or commerce to facilitate or carry out illegal activities. A conspiracy charge arises when individuals plan or take steps to promote, manage, establish, or carry on unlawful activities using interstate commerce.
Contact an NYC Criminal Attorney
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Source:
justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/brooklyn-man-convicted-money-laundering-scheme-connection-theft-millions-dollars
