Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: laundering money

I have no idea what the law is in AZ, because I am not licensed to practice law there. I also have no idea what the odds are that you could be prosecuted for "laundering money" based on the facts you've given.

Another key fact you didn't provide -- what kind of business/"merchandises" are we talking? If you are in a legitimate business, there is no reason why you can't accept money from people unless you have some reason to suspect the money is other than "legit." On the other hand, if you know that a certain sum of money is "drug money," you are asking for trouble by having a stranger deposit it into your bank account.

Just because someone looks "suspicious," however, isn't the same as knowing their money is tainted. If I were to refuse to do business with Mexicans, or Hispanic-Americans, who I think "look suspicious," I could be accused of illegal discrimination in my business.

Remember that U.S. Federal law requires that a Currency Transaction Report has to be filed if you pay or receive $10,000 or more in cash. There are other requirements to report $10,000 or more in cash or cash equivalent when crossing the U.S. border in either direction.

Do not speak to the police, not one word, except through an attorney. You will have to get an AZ lawyer to attempt to get your money back, do this without delay.

Let me know if there is any way in which I can help.