Which Agencies Investigate Money Laundering in South Carolina?
Money laundering refers to using a legitimate business or engaging in legal financial practices in order to conceal the fact that specific funds or any other assets came from an illegal source, and the consequences of a conviction are serious. Money laundering charges in South Carolina can be levied at the state or federal level and having a better understanding of how these cases are investigated can help you better understand your own case.
One of the most important steps that anyone facing a money laundering charge can take is reaching out for the trusted legal counsel of an experienced Greenville, SC, money laundering defense attorney.
Local Law Enforcement
When the money laundering charge in question involves proceeds that are restricted to a local jurisdiction, local law enforcement is likely to be involved. Often, local enforcement agencies do the initial investigating, which can lead to other state or federal agencies becoming involved.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigates many of the money laundering cases in the state, and they often do so in conjunction with the Attorney General as well as federal agencies like the FBI. SLED is guided by a broad mission to enforce state laws and assist other law enforcement agencies – including in relation to money laundering.
South Carolina Attorney General’s Office
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has a Money Services Division that is charged with enforcing the state’s Anti-Money Laundering Act. As such, they often investigate money laundering cases involving businesses that engage in money services.
They are responsible for licensing businesses that engage in the transmission of money or the exchange of currency and for general oversight of these companies. Finally, the AG’s office is also responsible for investigating money laundering that is interwoven with other financial crimes, such as Medicaid fraud.
Federal Agencies
Money laundering cases can also spill over into federal crimes, and at this point, federal agencies become involved in the investigative process. These agencies include each of the following:
- IRS Criminal Investigation – IRS Criminal Investigation becomes involved in money laundering cases or leads the way when the charge in question involves violations of the Internal Revenue Code.
- FBI – The FBI can become involved in investigating money laundering cases or can initiate the investigation process when the stakes are especially high, when the money crosses state lines either physically or electronically, or when the charge relates to a federal crime.
- The Offices of the United States Attorneys – The Offices of the United States Attorneys can also become involved in money laundering investigations. This generally happens when another federal agency refers the case to them.
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Greenville Money Laundering Defense Lawyer
The seasoned legal team at Ryan Beasley Law in Greenville, SC, has an impressive track record for successfully resolving money laundering cases, even under challenging circumstances, and we’re here for you, too. For more information about what we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 864-756-4204 today.