Investigation into nationwide scheme originated with violent crime in Baltimore
BALTIMORE — An investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington, D.C. division led to federal indictments Oct. 9 for 17 individuals allegedly involved in a sophisticated money laundering scheme and illegal marijuana distribution network. The investigation resulted in the seizure of more than $6 million and more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana in illegal proceeds to date.
“This investigation stands as a compelling example of the remarkable outcomes achieved when law enforcement agencies collaborate toward a common objective,” said HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “What began as an inquiry into two seemingly unrelated shootings in Baltimore evolved into a comprehensive investigation that exposed a vast criminal enterprise engaged in drug trafficking and the laundering of millions of dollars. This nefarious network extended its reach from Maryland to New York and beyond, infiltrating multiple communities. HSI remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding Maryland’s neighborhoods by working in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to dismantle and disrupt such criminal organizations.”
The joint investigation began in March 2023, with two separate non-fatal shootings of one individual in Baltimore that have subsequently revealed a sprawling network of individuals laundering millions of dollars generated from the illegal distribution of massive quantities of marijuana. The network includes a large-scale Chinese money laundering organization in New York as well as drug traffickers operating in Maryland. The network allegedly sent large quantities of cash from Maryland to other states, including New York, New Jersey and Oregon, to obtain further shipments of marijuana and to conceal the source of their proceeds.
“This investigation is a clear example of how we use DEA’s collective resources to identify money laundering schemes and drug distribution networks in order to disrupt and dismantle their operations,” emphasized DEA Washington Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget. “The increasingly dynamic and complex nature of the illicit drug trade demands enhanced cooperation with local, state and federal partners that reflects the reality of a globalized supply chain for illegal drugs and its transnational money laundering activities. We will pursue all enablers of these illicit activities by denying the criminal networks of their ill-gotten proceeds and interrupt their ability to transfer working capital to fund their range of illicit activities.”
The investigation led to federal charges for the 17 individuals for conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000 for conspiracy to engage in money laundering. They each also face up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
“When violence erupts in our communities, we will track it down to its core. This investigation demonstrates how organized international money laundering drives gun violence and illegal drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron. “Through the coordinated efforts of our OCDETF Strike Force and law enforcement partners, our highest priority is protecting the nation’s safety and security.”
Two of the individuals face an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multiagency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multijurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Baltimore Strike Force is to identify, disrupt and dismantle violent drug trafficking, money laundering and transnational criminal organizations to reduce drug-related and gang violence in the Baltimore metropolitan and surrounding areas. The Baltimore Strike Force comprises agents and officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Maryland State Police, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore Sheriff’s Office, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.
HSI Baltimore and DEA Washington, D.C. investigated this case with significant support from DEA offices in New Jersey, New York, Washington and Oregon, as well as the Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the Maryland State Police. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland leads the prosecution of this case with vital cooperation from the U.S. attorney’s offices for the Eastern District of New York, the Southern District of New York, the District of New Jersey, the Western District of Washington, the District of Oregon and the Eastern District of Texas.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty at in criminal proceedings.
Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSIBaltimore.