The Public Prosecution Service (OM) demanded a prison sentence and a fine against a 67-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman on Wednesday. The duo is suspected of laundering large sums of money. The National Prosecutors Office (LP) is also demanding a confiscation of 1.3 million euros from the male suspect.
Investigation 26Puyaluppe started in early 2019 after information was received about a company that could be linked to drug importation. There were substantial cash deposits in the accounts of the suspects and companies associated with the man. The suspects could not provide a convincing explanation for the origin of these cash deposits. The public prosecutor mentioned intercepted shipments of hundreds of kilos of cocaine linked to the companies and a PGP phone: It is well known that such devices are mainly used in the criminal circuit.
Smurfing
Additionally, there was smurfing involved in the cash payments, a method often used in money laundering. This means that someone splits large amounts of cash into several smaller amounts, which are then deposited separately. For this reason, the OM concludes that it can be legally and convincingly proven that the suspects intentionally committed money laundering of large sums of money. The male suspect is involved with an amount of over 2.2 million euros. The woman is said to have laundered almost 365,000 euros in total.
Large Money Laundering Machine
The public prosecutor emphasized the seriousness of the facts during the hearing. He pointed out that the investigation revealed a picture of a large money laundering machine, in which various companies played a role: Without people who play a role in moving and laundering money, there can be no drug trade. The prosecutor also noted that the money laundering took place over several years and continues to this day, pointing to the purchase of real estate in South Africa, where the duo has been residing for several years.
Sentence Demand
Given all the facts and circumstances, the OM demands a prison sentence of 12 months for the male suspect and a fine of 50,000 euros for the woman. Additionally, the OM demands a confiscation of 1.3 million euros from the man. This amount he is said to have earned at least through criminal offenses and must be returned to the state according to the OM.
