https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/08/05/15-indicted-in-texas-after-investigation-into-money-laundering-operation-using-compromised-business-emails/

15 individuals have been indicted in Texas on 29 first-degree felony charges resulting from an investigation into a complex money laundering operation that moved more than $2.9 million through U.S.-based bank accounts.

The investigation was led by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC).

The operation used emails posing as known businesses to deceive victims into redirecting payments to fraudulent accounts. The scammers mimicked legitimate email addresses with subtle changes, making detection difficult.

Over time, they instructed victims to send payments to new bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

To avoid detection, the criminals opened U.S.-based bank accounts and recruited “money mules” to help transfer and launder the stolen funds through various techniques.

The broader investigation also uncovered additional wire fraud schemes, including online romance scams, fraudulent investment offers, and fictitious vacant land sales. These schemes also relied on domestic money mules.

The indicted include Alberta Chika Agu, Kipper Junior Briceno Ferrer, Rafael Angel Bermudez Patino, Jose Angel Parra Bracho, Prince David Ekwedike, Luis Munoz Patino, Raul Andres Negrette Petit, Marvin Maduabuchuk Opute, Sebastian Nadin Cera, Taiwo Idris Raji, Kenneth James Lister, Alonso Ivan Castor, Roger Moratinos Paredes, Vivian Valentina Quintero Morales, and Mariana Isabel Moncada Bohorquez.

Investigators took down more than 100 bank accounts that were determined to be used in the schemes, working closely with financial institutions.

The indicted individuals face charges including theft of more than $300,000, money laundering, and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Penalties for first-degree felonies range from 15 years to life in prison.