NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging nine individuals with operating a money laundering network responsible for laundering millions of dollars obtained from internet fraud schemes, including business email compromise scams. The arrests, coordinated across three jurisdictions, mark a significant step in dismantling the alleged criminal enterprise.
The indictment alleges that the organization, active since November 2016, was structured with “recruiters” or “herders” who enlisted “money mules” to transfer proceeds from fraudulent activities. These funds, obtained through scams targeting businesses and individuals across the United States and internationally, were funneled through sham companies and front businesses to obscure their origins and financially benefit the group.
The defendants—Samson A. Omoniyi, 43, of Houston; Misha L. Cooper, 50, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Robert A. Cooper, 66, of Murfreesboro; Carlesha L. Perry, 36, of Houston; Whitney D. Bardley, 30, of Florissant, Mo.; Lauren O. Guidry, 32, of Houston; Caira Y. Osby, 44, of Houston; Dazai S. Harris, 34, of Murfreesboro; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro—are charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering. Federal authorities allege the organization laundered over $20 million in illicit proceeds.
The FBI’s Nashville Field Office, Salt Lake City Field Office, and Boise Resident Agency conducted the investigation, with assistance from the FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team. “The defendants are alleged to have participated in a sophisticated scheme to move millions of dollars of fraud proceeds through an intricate network of accomplices and front companies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account statutory guidelines and sentencing factors.