DOJ convicts four of laundering $485M

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Two Bank of China ex-managers and their wives were convicted for stealing more than $485 million through money laundering, the U.S. Justice Department said.

The four were convicted in Las Vegas after being charged in a 15-count indictment in 2006, the Justice Department said Tuesday in a news release. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 24.

Another person charged remains at large, the department said.

The ex-bank managers and their wives were accused and convicted of defrauding the Bank of China of at least $485 million. Testimony given during the trial indicated the scheme involved efforts to launder the stolen money through Hong Kong, Canada, the United States and other countries. Evidence presented at trial included a significant number of transactions with the stolen money through Las Vegas casinos, including bets ranging from $20,000 up to $80,000.

"Having embezzled nearly $500 million from a Chinese bank, these defendants turned to the United States as a place to hide themselves and their ill-gotten gains, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich said. "Overseas offenders who turn to the United States as a safe haven, and who try to exploit our financial systems, can similarly expect to be prosecuted."