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Founders of Law Firm Arrested in Worldwide Money-Laundering Scheme

On Behalf of | Feb 17, 2017 | White Collar Crime, White Collar Crime Attorney, White Collar Crimes, White Collar Crimes |

White Collar Crime is a term that commonplace in news outlets across the globe. These criminal acts include such offenses as embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, racketeering, and other financial crimes related to financial or property gain. It can also include the avoidance of a loss of finances or property and other deceptive acts from businesses and government professionals.

One of the latest scandals of a major case of white-collar crime involves the founders of the law firm of Mossack Fonseca. They were recently arrested in Panama after they were taken in for questioning subsequent to a one-year investigation by prosecutors from Brazil, United States, Colombia, Peru, Switzerland, and Ecuador.

The money-laundering charges against Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca are in relation to the “largest-ever” bribery scandal in Brazil. This scandal involves several companies and countries where Mossack and Fonseca were involved in the management or structuring of companies offshore with the intent to hide money. Last April an investigation known as Panama Papers involved 11.5 million documents that were leaked detailing the daily operations of the law firm for a period over 40 years. This particular bribery investigation, which has been named “Lavo Jato,” involved the firm facing allegations of being an organized criminal structure.

As mentioned previously, these types of crimes affect businesses, families, and investors. South Florida is not a stranger to these crimes, as they occur frequently here, especially in the health-care industry and the real estate market. The investigation involving the law firm, as described by The Miami Herald, will have an impact on South Florida real estate. This impact on real estate is due to the fact offshore companies increase prices and this will consequently alter the market, particularly waterfront luxury condos.

When facing charges of white collar crimes, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible because your reputation, livelihood, and possible incarceration will depend on your defense. Seek out a white collar crime attorney that will provide pragmatic legal advice about the charges, possible outcomes, and is respectful and honest with their clients.

References:

“White-Collar Crime.” Https://www.fbi.gov/ investigate/white-collar-crime. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2017. <http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article132089769.html>.

Garcia, David A. “The founders of Mossack Fonseca were detained in Panama.” Business Insider. N.p., 12 Feb. 2017. Web. 15 Feb. 2017. <http://www.businessinsider.com/r-panama-detains-mossack-fonseca-founders-on-corruption-charges-2017-2>.

“Panama Arrests Partners in Mossack-Fonseca Firm.” ABC News. N.p., 11 Feb. 2017. Web. 15 Feb. 2017. <http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/panama-arrests-partners-mossack-fonseca-firm-45427894>.

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