Ontario Criminal Defence and Money Laundering Defence Lawyers
Money laundering — taking the proceeds of crime and using them in a series of transactions in order to change the character of the money — can result in serious charges and, on conviction, the potential for incarceration, fines and other criminal punishments. If you are facing accusations of money laundering, it is important to seek the advice and counsel of an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
Those charged with money laundering can also be charged with other serious criminal offences such as theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000 and criminal organization charges. If you have been charged with any criminal offence relating to money laundering, or if you are being investigated by the police or accused of money laundering, you should seek immediate legal assistance.
With nearly 30 years of criminal law experience as a prosecutor and defence lawyer, Damien R. Frost in Toronto is dedicated to achieving favourable outcomes for his clients. The lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP will work diligently on your behalf, striving to limit the damage you could incur as a result of money laundering accusations.
Lawyers Defending Money Laundering Charges
A broad range of people, ranging from shopkeepers to lawyers, have been used as “dupes” in money laundering schemes. Individuals acting on behalf of a third party or business can be unaware of the legal risks they are exposed to as a result. If you are concerned about a business relationship you have agreed to or believe there is suspicious financial activity occurring in your business or your accounts, you should seek immediate legal advice. If you believe you have been duped or taken advantage of, you should consult with a lawyer to help prove that you were unaware of any money laundering or related crimes. Contact the lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP to schedule a free consultation today.
Responding to Money Laundering Investigations by Financial Institutions
Money laundering investigations can start from financial institutions, banks, and other entities monitoring large or suspicious transactions. Money laundering investigations can be commenced by third parties other than the police. It is important to ensure that you are protected if your business is being audited or investigated for suspicious transactions. There are extensive reporting requirements for lawyers, realtors, brokerages, and other organizations that act as money services businesses or handle large transactions.
An audit by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) can attract more than just a regulatory investigation. If you are concerned that your business is under investigation or concerned that a regulatory investigation can spiral into a serious criminal prosecution, contact the lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP today to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help.
Lawyers who understand Proceeds of Crime Investigations
If you are being investigated or accused of money laundering or possession of proceeds of crime, you need to know what to do and what not to do. Most money laundering and proceeds of crime investigations are conducted by specialized police units that have significant resources available to them.
Investigators often receive legal advice from prosecutors before laying charges, execute search warrants, obtain tax information from Revenue Canada, and can even apply for authorizations to intercept private communications such as phone calls, e-mails, and text messages. Money laundering investigators also rely on forensic accountants to trace the money or proceeds of crime as they are transferred, altered or attempts are made to sheltered the source of the unlawful funds.
If you are being investigated by a specialized proceeds of crime unit or the RCMP, you should seek immediate legal assistance. You should consult with a lawyer before your bank accounts are frozen or your property is restrained. You need to have a plan on how to respond to the investigation and ensure that you are protected. Click here to schedule a free consultation to speak to our lawyers today.
Don’t Wait Until You’ve Been Charged
Money laundering and proceeds of crime cases are often connected to organized crime and serious criminal investigations. The penalties for those convicted of money laundering are severe. The Crown can seek substantial periods of imprisonment, fines, forfeiture of any crime-related property, and even fines in lieu of forfeiture if the proceeds of crime cannot be located. This could add years to any period of imprisonment if you are found guilty of money laundering.
When the stakes are this high, you should seek immediate legal assistance if you suspect that you are under investigation or may be an unwitting participant in a money laundering scheme. If you believe your business or third parties are trying to use you or conduct unlawful business through your accounts or in your name, it is crucial to contact a lawyer who understands the complexities of money laundering prosecutions and investigations. The lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP are here to help you. Click here to schedule a free consultation.
