Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Investigation Uncovered $1.28 Million in Cash in US Virgin Islands, Four Arrested

A major crackdown on financial crime has led to a significant seizure of cash and the arrest of four individuals in the United States Virgin Islands.

Seizure and Arrests

Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and their partners seized over $1.28 million in cash from an abandoned vehicle on the west end of St. Thomas, USVI. Four men were arrested in connection with the seizure:

  • Alverio Morales (26), Yabucoa Puerto Rico
  • Javier Lebron Pinto (26), Yabucoa Puerto Rico
  • Joshua Laboy-Lozada (28), Patillas, Puerto Rico
  • Alcibiades Flis Batista (46), Dominican Republic

The four suspects had their initial hearings before US Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Morales, Lebron Pinto, and Flis Batista were transferred to the US Marshals Service pending further proceedings.

Investigation Led by Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Alliance

The investigation is being led by the Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Alliance (CMLA), a coalition of law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt and dismantle money laundering organizations operating across the Caribbean. Established in 2018, CMLA partners include:

  • HSI
  • US Customs and Border Protection
  • DEA
  • FBI
  • IRS
  • US Postal Inspection Service
  • US Secret Service
  • Local authorities

Prosecution and Global Impact

The seized cash is expected to be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of the US Virgin Islands. This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies in the region to combat financial crime and protect the global economy from illicit activities.

HSI’s International Presence

HSI, a directorate of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is responsible for investigating transnational crimes, including those involving financial fraud and money laundering. With over 10,400 employees and a presence in 80 overseas locations across 53 countries, HSI’s international footprint makes it one of the largest law enforcement presences abroad.

This investigation demonstrates HSI’s commitment to combating financial crime and protecting the global economy from illicit activities.