Money laundering is one of the most serious felonies in the country. Taking money acquired illegally and converting it into a legal state constitutes money laundering. This crime is serious because it disguises significant criminal activities and threatens the integrity of an institution’s financial system.
For this reason, its penalties are high in New York. One may be asked to pay not in excess of two times the amount laundered. Thus, if you are being investigated for money laundering, you should make the right moves.
Here is what to do:
Get professional help
If law enforcement officers directly notify you that you are under investigation for money laundering or have a reasonable suspicion to believe you are, you should get professional help. A professional could help you identify and examine the documents and data the investigators will be looking into. Thus, you can know what you are up against and, in turn, determine the best ways to defend yourself.
Avoid transactions
When you and the professional you work with discover why you are under investigation for money laundering, you should consider avoiding using the financial system in question. Avoiding transactions can protect you from more trouble. And as mentioned before, the monetary value of the case may determine the fine.
Cooperate
When your investigation is official, you will likely need to submit some documents to the authorities. It could help to cooperate, but with professional help at your side. You don’t want to get into trouble for not cooperating, but this does not mean incriminating yourself. Before submitting documents or talking to the police, you should get professional guidance.
A money laundering charge can affect your life significantly. You may need a strong defense strategy to protect yourself from this crime’s potential consequences.