Articles Posted in federal criminal investigation

President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. This will now expand enforcement tools and give the government additional powers to combat illegal trafficking of the fentanyl. What will this mean to clients charged with trafficking or possessing fentanyl? This concept has been debated for a…

I. How Does a Case Get to Law Enforcement? The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline is a centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Facebook/Meta, Google, Instagram, Snapchat, Yahoo, Microsoft, X, etc are required to report suspected CSAM detected on their platforms. These providers make reports of suspected online…

I. What charges can the government use to allege money laundering? 18 U.S.C. § 1956: This is for laundering monetary instruments and carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved, whichever is greater 18 U.S.C. § 1957: This applies…

Various professionals must have a valid, active license. When there are allegations of an arrest, substance abuse issues, misconduct or compliance failures, this can lead to disciplinary actions. Understanding what is involved and knowing how to navigate this is crucial for any professional facing such challenges. Over the past three decades, Conaway & Strickler, PC…

As we enter the 8th month of 2025, it is clear that federal agencies have ramped up enforcement of federal crimes, leading to substantial financial penalties and lengthy prison sentences. Recently, the Department of Justice highlighted enforcement efforts that allegedly aimed at protecting  Americans from transnational fraud schemes.  Here are some of the cases discussed:…

When you’re approached or arrested by law enforcement, it’s natural to feel scared, overwhelmed, or tempted to explain your side. But one of the most powerful tools you have is silence. Under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination. This right is reinforced by your…

Tax evasion is a potential criminal charge. Tax avoidance is perfectly acceptable. 26 U.S.C. § 7201 defines what is tax evasion.  It states in relevant part that any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties…

Fraud is a concept that has been in the criminal justice system forever.  Google defines it as an intentional deception used to gain an unfair advantage or benefit, often involving financial gains.  How does the Department of Justice prosecute fraud?  Below is a non exhaustive list of charges that the DOJ can bring. The FBI…

Cryptocurrency fraud has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. The lack of a centralized authority governing crypto along with the relative anonymity of transactions has contributed to this rise in digital financial crime. Specifically, cryptocurrency money laundering has grown significantly in recent years with billions of dollars stolen through hacks, Ponzi schemes, mixers. A recent…

Milan Patel and four other defendants were charged both by the SEC and the Department of Justice for their role in an options trading scheme in the Northern District of Georgia.  Another defendant, Bart Ross was sentenced a few years ago for the same scheme.  In total, In total, the defendants executed more than 500…