Money Laundering Lawyers

Money Laundering Lawyers

Are you involved in a money laundering prosecution? Obtaining legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. If you are currently being investigated for money laundering (or have already been accused), it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.  

We can help individuals from anywhere in Western Canada and the Northwest Territories. If you’re unable to reach our Edmonton offices for a consultation, we are able to discuss your matter at your convenience via telephone or the online video platform of your choice (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc). Where appropriate, we can also arrange travel to you. Our aim is to ensure that you can access legal advice as easily as possible.

Our group of experienced defence criminal lawyers will work quickly to assess your case and determine the most appropriate actions. 

Money Laundering Offences

An estimated 50% of Canadian crime groups involved with money laundering maintain international links with criminal organizations. Large-scale money laundering is often associated with organized crime groups that use these funds to pursue activities like corruption, fraud, human trafficking, and drug and firearms trafficking.

What is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is a process of disguising the source of money gained by illegal means so that it appears to come from a legal source. Proceeds of crime is often added to other charges because it can be linked to other charges, including tax evasion, fraud and drug trafficking.

Examples of Money Laundering

• Proceeds of drug trafficking being funnelled into businesses
• Real-Estate Laundering 
• Casino Laundering 
• Bank Laundering 
• Trade-Based Laundering 
• Layering 
• Laundering Money Through Cash Businesses 

Anti-Money Laundering Laws in Canada

Over the past few years, the federal government and several provincial have implemented legislative changes to strengthen anti-money laundering regulations. These policies are primarily contained in two statutes: the Criminal Code and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. 

Provincial legislation provides the police with the power to seize cash and property and refer it to the Provincial Civil Forfeiture departments.  If the police seize cash or property and refer it to civil forfeiture, the onus is on the person from whom the property has been seized to prove that it comes from legitimate sources.  The police have seized cars, cash and houses under the civil forfeiture laws and regulations.

How Can I Prove I Am Not Guilty of Laundering Money?

To be found guilty of money laundering, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew the money came from illicit activities and that you intended to make the money appear legitimate.

However, if you processed the money for another organisation or individual, you could still be accused of money laundering. The critical question is whether you were aware or had the necessary knowledge that the money had been obtained from illegal sources. If so, you might be convicted.

However under provincial civil forfeiture laws, the onus is on the person whose property has been seized to prove that the property came from a legitimate source. In addition, the onus of proof that the seized property are from the proceeds of crime is just on a balance of probabilities: a much lower standard of proof.

Frequently Asked Questions about Money Laundering Cases