A man accused of laundering millions of dollars from Internet fraud schemes has been arrested on federal charges. Federal prosecutors in Boston have charged Craig Clayton of Cranston, Rhode Island with conspiracy to commit money laundering and obstruction of justice. The 73-year-old Clayton is accused of forming dozens of shell companies that were used to launder money obtained by fraud.
According to the charging documents, "It is alleged that, in communications with one of his Rochart business associates, Clayton stated that they were “money mules complicit in their [Rochart’s clients’] offenses.” In encrypted communications with one of his clients, Clayton allegedly expressed concern that his phone was “tapped” by law enforcement and sought to obtain “dirt” on a victim who had reported the fraud scheme in order to “distract the police.” In recorded conversations with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a potential Rochart client, Clayton allegedly stated that several of his clients were “fugitives from justice.” It is further alleged that, when banks and law enforcement began to investigate Rochart, Clayton falsely told investigators and bank personnel that his shell companies were legitimate businesses, among other things. After he became aware that a federal grand jury was investigating him, Clayton allegedly attempted to obstruct the ongoing investigation by making several false statements to federal agents during an interview.
Prosecutors say Clayton would collect a fee from Internet fraudsters in exchange for laundering money from their scams.
The total scheme netted them some 35 million dollars.
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