Illegal Money Laundering: The Consequences for Business Owners and Communities

Oakland-based business owner Felipe de Jesus Ornelas Mora has been sentenced for money laundering drug proceeds through his establishment, Rincon Musical. Between September 2020 and August 2022, he and his employees accepted large sums of money from drug dealers and wired it to Mexico and Honduras using other customers’ identities to conceal the transactions.

Ornelas Mora, 51, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and received an 18-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release. Despite keeping the transactions under $3,000 to avoid federal reporting requirements, DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark emphasized that money laundering plays a critical role in the drug cartel business model. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins emphasized the commitment to combatting drug trafficking by prosecuting money services businesses that participate in money laundering. CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley warned against facilitating the profitability of drug trafficking through illegal financial activities that perpetuate the drug epidemic in communities.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark stated that “money laundering is a critical part of the drug cartel business model,” and Ornelas Mora’s actions contributed significantly to this illegal enterprise.” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins added that “prosecuting businesses like Rincon Musical is crucial in our ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.” CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley reminded everyone that these illegal activities only serve to perpetuate the profitability of drug trafficking, which ultimately harms our communities.

According to reports, Ornelas Mora’s conviction stemmed from wire receipts discovered on arrested drug dealers’ phones after an investigation into suspicious transactions at his International Boulevard establishment between September 2020 and August 2022.

The transactions were kept under $3,000 to avoid federal reporting requirements, but this ultimately led to an investigation after wire receipts were discovered on arrested drug dealers’ phones.

In conclusion, Ornelas Mora’s conviction serves as a reminder that illegal financial activities are not tolerated when it comes to combating the war on drugs. The DEA will continue its efforts to investigate such cases while also warning others about the dangers of participating in criminal activities related to drugs and money laundering.

It is important for everyone involved in any kind of business or organization to be aware of their obligations when it comes to reporting suspicious activity related