Posted on 11/01/2025 5:30:58 PM PDT by CFW
Federal officials have charged a Chicago woman with laundering large volumes of suspected narcotics proceeds after a months-long investigation linked her to cash exchanges tied to Mexican drug cartels and Chinese cryptocurrency networks, according to a recently unsealed federal complaint.
Homeland Security Investigations arrested Xiao Mei of Canaryville on allegations that she coordinated a series of large cash exchanges in Chinatown and River North between February and July 2024. Prosecutors said Mei, described as a Chicago-based broker for a Chinese money-laundering network, regularly used WeChat to arrange pickups of bulk U.S. currency from associates of drug traffickers and transferred equivalent sums to China through cryptocurrency and “mirror transactions.”
[snip]
According to the federal complaint, a law enforcement source told investigators that Mei contacted them almost daily to handle large cash transactions, often expressing reluctance to meet “foreigners” alone. According to federal agents, Mei used the term “foreigner” to refer to anyone who was not Chinese.
(Excerpt) Read more at cwbchicago.com ...
“Subsequent monitored transactions detailed in the affidavit include a March 5 transfer of $50,000, an April 5 pickup of $100,000, and additional deliveries of $36,000 and $51,500 in May. In each case, agents say, Mei used WeChat to coordinate meetings in and around Chinatown, provide cryptocurrency wallet codes, and direct conversions into Chinese currency or digital assets such as Tether. Investigators said multiple cash deliveries tested positive for narcotic residue during K-9 inspections.
The investigation culminated on July 15, 2024, when law enforcement stopped Mei’s white Porsche after she allegedly planned another $80,000 transfer. Officers found cash inside a white fanny pack, along with two cell phones, and a K-9 unit again alerted to drug odors, the complaint said. Mei declined to make any statements to investigators following her detention.”
Ah, the ol’ Chinese laundry trick!
RE: Chicago woman laundering....
Our fault for allowing the sexist stereotype of women cooking and doing laundry while the guys watch the game, drink beer and eat snacks.
No tickee no cashee.
L
‘Ancient Chinese Secret!’
How does this person report the transactions?
China - Cartel connection???
I wouldn’t doubt it.
And
Pritzker probably gets a cut of the money.
“Xiao Mei”
No tickee, no washee.
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