The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that it has charged four individuals with laundering millions of dollars in a scheme involving the butchering of pigs. According to the DOJ, the individuals laundered profits from their misappropriation of the proceeds from the sale of pigs and other animals in California and Arizona.
The four individuals charged are Yevgeniy M. Segal, Vladyslav A. Sheleg, Zhanna A. Bokarev, and Alexsey V. Kulikov. The DOJ alleges that these individuals conspired to launder more than $10 million in proceeds from their misappropriation of the proceeds.
The DOJ alleges that the four individuals established off-shore shell entities to hide the profits and create false paper trails. These entities included companies in Panama, Belize, and other jurisdictions. The DOJ further alleges that Segal, Sheleg, and Bokarev used shell entities and other mechanisms to conceal their activities.
The DOJ is seeking forfeiture of all assets these individuals obtained as a result of their alleged scheme. The government also seeks a money judgment against the four defendants for the amount of proceeds laundered.
If convicted, the individuals face up to 20 years in prison, as well as a maximum fine of $500,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
This case is part of a DOJ’s ongoing effort to combat money laundering and activities associated with international criminal organizations. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the IRS, and other law enforcement agencies.
