Only a money laundering charge is rarely brought against someone. Money laundering accusations are frequently filed in cases involving drug conspiracies, mail and wire fraud, racketeering (RICO), or other financially motivated crimes.

Undercover “sting” operations can also be used by the authorities to investigate and punish money laundering charges if the money is not “dirty money.” An undercover agent can claim that the money is “dirty” even if it isn’t in these “sting” operations.

In addition to these offences, federal law makes it criminal to enter into a money laundering agreement. People who have merely had a minor role in the suspected criminal activities are frequently charged with money laundering conspiracy. To prove that someone is involved in a money laundering scheme, the government must show that there was a plan to launder money and that the individual was aware of the plan and chose to participate. The government does not need to show that the person handled the money or did anything else to aid in the money laundering crime.