By creating the Illicit Finance Task Force (IFTF), U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina has begun a fresh offensive against the evil of money laundering. With an emphasis on individuals who take use of money services, cryptocurrency, and other financial channels, the initiative aims to combat the international laundering of criminal proceeds. The IFTF is pursuing and dismantling organizations involved in these illegal activities in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“Money talks,” Easley said, highlighting the determination to monitor and stop the flow of illegal money. “And we will follow every lead it gives us.” He explained the plan to go after crooked organizations and cartels that control the US financial system. Easley’s declaration demonstrated that the IFTF is prepared to deal a severe blow to organizations that use the state to transfer illicit funds.
Wimel Isaac DaSilva, a New Yorker who pleaded guilty to operating an illegal money-transmitting business and making false representations to financial institutions, was the first person the task force successfully prosecuted. According to court documents, DaSilva’s business handled more than $40 million in bitcoin transactions between 2019 and 2022 while disguising itself as a consultancy firm and transferring drug money and other illegal gains to accounts in South America.
Banks and Virtual Currency Exchanges (VCEs) must have strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures in place in accordance with the Bank Secrecy Act. DaSilva attempted to get around these safeguards by making up documents to hide the source and destination of the money and making false claims about his business dealings. The plea was praised by Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Charlotte Field Office as evidence of the hard work and dedication of IRS Special Agents.
Under the direction of the recently established IFTF, the Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF), IRS-Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations are collaborating on the continuing investigation. The task force’s objective is to combat money laundering activities that affect North Carolina by strategically utilizing criminal and civil laws. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office statement, additional details about DaSilva’s case can be accessed on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina’s official website or by looking up Case No. 5:24-CR-252-M on PACER.
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