574.105. Money laundering — penalty.
It’s a felony to use financial transactions to hide or support criminal activity.
This law makes it a serious crime to move money or property in a way that supports illegal acts, hides where the money came from, or avoids reporting laws. It includes the use of cryptocurrency and traditional financial tools.
1. Important terms used in this law:
- Conducts: Starting, finishing, or helping with a financial transaction.
- Criminal activity: Any act that’s a felony under Missouri or U.S. law.
- Cryptocurrency: Digital currency tracked through a secure system like blockchain.
- Financial transaction: Includes moving money or assets like:
- a. Wire transfers, including blockchain transactions,
- b. Checks, bank wires, or money orders,
- c. Transfers of property like vehicles or land,
- d. Activities through a financial institution (e.g., deposits, withdrawals, loans).
- Monetary instruments: Includes cash, cryptocurrency, checks, wires, money orders, or investment tools that pass ownership upon delivery.
- Person: Any individual, business, or organization recognized by law.
- Transaction: Any movement of money or property — including purchases, transfers, or bank activity.
2. A person commits money laundering if they conduct or attempt to conduct a financial transaction with the purpose to:
- (1) Support or help carry out criminal activity;
- (2) Hide or disguise where the money came from or who controls it;
- (3) Avoid reporting the transaction as required by federal law;
- (4) Support criminal activity that furthers a terrorist threat or act.
3. Money laundering is a class B felony. In addition to regular penalties, the person may be fined up to $500,000 or twice the amount involved — whichever is greater.
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