Not only was he operating an unlicensed money transmitter business, but he was specifically advising his customers to structure their deposits and lie to their banks to avoid scrutiny. That really gives the impression that he either knew or suspected that his customers were dealing with dirty money.
> Mr. Hopkins admitted he promised not to get involved in the details of M.H’s business dealings, but told M.H. how to circumvent financial institution reporting requirements by keeping deposits under $9,500, and directed M.H. to lie to financial institutions about the purpose of the business:
> “I’m set up as a marketing company, so tell them you’re paying for a marketing campaign,” he said.
"Hopkins said the FBI raided his home and tried to implicate his wife in the same case, but ultimately dropped the charges against any family members in exchange for a plea deal."
What's scummy about that? He would have no reason to entertain a plea offer if the feds can't make their case against the wife. Using this kind of leverage is common. The defendant is free to go to trial if they want their day in court.
The article title is surprisingly sensationalist considering the body is not.
If I were charged by the cops for agreeing to meet a stranger at a time and place to hand him a duffel bag full of money, knowing full well where it came from, would I receive such a sympathetic writeup?
7 comments
[ 3.5 ms ] story [ 22.9 ms ] thread> Mr. Hopkins admitted he promised not to get involved in the details of M.H’s business dealings, but told M.H. how to circumvent financial institution reporting requirements by keeping deposits under $9,500, and directed M.H. to lie to financial institutions about the purpose of the business:
> “I’m set up as a marketing company, so tell them you’re paying for a marketing campaign,” he said.
Wow, scummy.
But, good luck finding anyone on-scene who will let you press charges during the moment.
If I were charged by the cops for agreeing to meet a stranger at a time and place to hand him a duffel bag full of money, knowing full well where it came from, would I receive such a sympathetic writeup?