Queens Money Laundering Lawyer
Defense Against Federal Financial Crime Charges in Queens, NY
If you are under investigation or have been charged with money laundering in Queens, you are facing a serious federal offense with life-altering consequences. Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue money laundering cases in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), which covers Queens. These charges are often tied to allegations of fraud, drug trafficking, healthcare kickbacks, cryptocurrency transactions, and other financial crimes. Whether you are a business owner, professional, or individual swept into a broader federal case, your first call should be to an experienced Queens money laundering lawyer who understands how to defend high-stakes cases in federal court.
At Sosinsky Law, we bring over 30 years of experience representing clients in complex federal criminal matters. Attorney Fred Sosinsky has successfully defended clients against high-profile prosecutions involving financial crimes, conspiracy allegations, and asset forfeiture. If your freedom, reputation, and assets are on the line, we are prepared to step in immediately and begin building your defense.
Call (212) 285-2270 today for a confidential consultation.
What Is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the process of concealing the origins of money obtained through illegal activity, making it appear legitimate. Federal law punishes both the act of laundering money and the use of funds derived from criminal conduct.
The two main statutes used by federal prosecutors in these cases are:
18 U.S.C. §1956: Laundering of Monetary Instruments
18 U.S.C. §1957: Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property
To secure a conviction under these statutes, prosecutors must prove:
The defendant conducted a financial transaction involving the proceeds of unlawful activity
The defendant knew the funds came from illegal activity
The transaction was intended to promote illegal conduct, disguise the nature of the funds, or evade reporting requirements
These laws are extremely broad, allowing prosecutors to target a wide range of financial behavior, even when the underlying crime is unclear or allegedly committed by someone else.
Money Laundering Trends in Queens Federal Cases
The Eastern District of New York, which includes Queens, has become a major hub for financial crime investigations. Federal prosecutors in EDNY have pursued money laundering charges related to:
Fraudulent loan schemes (including COVID relief programs)
Narcotics trafficking and cartel activity
Wire fraud and bank fraud
Cryptocurrency-related transactions
Foreign corruption and international transfers
Real estate transactions tied to illegal proceeds
Because Queens is a global hub with diverse communities and high volumes of financial activity, authorities often focus on money movement between domestic and international banks, businesses, and individuals. If you or your business have been flagged in such a transaction, you may already be under federal scrutiny.
Early Warning Signs You May Be Under Investigation
Not every money laundering case begins with an arrest. In fact, many clients learn they are targets when they receive:
A grand jury subpoena for documents or testimony
A target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office
A knock-and-talk visit from agents with the FBI, IRS-CI, or HSI
A search warrant for your home or office
These are signs that prosecutors may already be building a case. Do not speak with law enforcement or produce records without a defense attorney present. Your first move should be contacting Sosinsky Law for immediate guidance.
Common Allegations in Money Laundering Cases
Every case is different, but federal money laundering indictments in Queens often involve one or more of the following accusations:
Structuring and Smurfing
Breaking large cash deposits into smaller transactions to avoid federal reporting requirements. This conduct is frequently flagged in bank audits and currency transaction reports.
Use of Shell Companies
Creating or using companies with no legitimate business purpose to move money, often across jurisdictions or borders. Prosecutors claim these entities serve to disguise true ownership.
Third-Party Transfers
Moving funds through friends, family members, or unrelated accounts to obscure the origin of the money. Even innocent recipients can be drawn into federal investigations.
Purchase of Assets with Criminal Proceeds
Using funds derived from alleged crimes to buy cars, homes, jewelry, or business assets. These transactions are often followed by asset seizure efforts.
International Wire Transfers
Sending money to or receiving funds from foreign banks or individuals as part of a suspected money laundering scheme.
Building a Strong Defense to Money Laundering Charges
At Sosinsky Law, we know how to push back against the government’s narrative. Our defense strategies are built on a detailed understanding of the evidence and the prosecution’s burden. Some key approaches include:
1. Lack of Knowledge
Federal prosecutors must prove that the defendant knew the funds were derived from criminal activity. If you were simply managing finances or handling transactions without that knowledge, you may have a valid defense.
2. No Proceeds from a Specified Unlawful Activity
The government must tie the funds to a specific underlying crime, such as fraud or drug trafficking. If the prosecution cannot prove that the money came from such a crime, the laundering charge may fail.
3. No Financial Transaction
A successful prosecution requires evidence that a financial transaction took place. Planning, discussion, or possession alone is not enough.
4. Entrapment or Overreach
In cases involving sting operations, informants, or undercover agents, we examine whether the government crossed the line into coercion or manipulation.
5. Constitutional Violations
If your emails, banking records, or devices were searched without a valid warrant, we can seek suppression of that evidence. We challenge unlawful searches and seizures aggressively.
Asset Forfeiture in Money Laundering Cases
In addition to prison time and fines, money laundering charges often trigger asset forfeiture proceedings. Prosecutors may attempt to seize bank accounts, homes, cars, or businesses they believe are connected to illegal funds.
At Sosinsky Law, we fight to protect your property. We contest forfeiture actions in court, demand proper documentation, and challenge the government’s ability to prove a connection between the assets and any alleged criminal activity.
Federal Sentencing in Money Laundering Cases
Money laundering is a felony offense that carries serious sentencing exposure under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Penalties may include:
Up to 20 years in federal prison for 18 U.S.C. §1956 violations
Up to 10 years for 18 U.S.C. §1957 offenses
Fines of $500,000 or more
Restitution to alleged victims
Asset forfeiture orders
Sentencing depends on the amount of money involved, the role the defendant played in the transaction, prior criminal history, and whether other crimes are also charged. At Sosinsky Law, we provide federal sentencing advocacy that includes expert reports, mitigation presentations, and negotiating favorable plea outcomes where appropriate.
Who We Represent in Queens
Our clients in money laundering investigations come from all walks of life. Sosinsky Law has defended:
Small business owners and entrepreneurs
Medical professionals and practice owners
Real estate developers and brokers
Cryptocurrency traders and tech professionals
International wire transfer agents
Individuals connected to narcotics or weapons investigations
If you are involved in a transaction that has drawn federal scrutiny, do not assume you are safe because you did not commit the underlying crime. Federal prosecutors frequently pursue people on the periphery of larger investigations.
Speak with a Queens Money Laundering Lawyer Today
If you are being investigated or charged with money laundering in Queens, do not wait to get legal help. These cases move quickly and carry serious consequences. Your best defense begins with choosing the right lawyer.
Call Sosinsky Law at (212) 285-2270 now to speak with an experienced Queens money laundering lawyer. We offer confidential consultations and aggressive representation in the Eastern District of New York and beyond.