DOJ Charges Four Individuals for Laundering Millions in Pig Butchering Scheme
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced charges against four individuals for laundering millions of dollars through the purchase, sale and slaughter of pigs. According to the DOJ, the individuals allegedly participated in a complex scheme involving the purchase of pigs from New Jersey and New York, their slaughter in Virginia and the illegal sale of their meat. The scheme allegedly resulted in the laundering of tens of millions of dollars.
The four individuals, three of whom are said to be from New York and one from New Jersey, face one count each of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in prison.
The scheme involved the purchase of pigs from a variety of sources in New Jersey and New York, then transporting them to slaughterhouses in Virginia. The meat was then illegally sold in the form of pork chops, bacon and other pork products.
The proceeds of the sales were allegedly deposited into bank accounts belonging to the four individuals, who then used the money to invest in real estate and other businesses. The government estimates that between $20 million and $44 million was laundered in this manner.
The case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is prosecuting the case.