Organized Crime Network

The U.S. Customs Service in Chicago conducted an investigation of a Russian and Lithuanian organized crime group that was heavily involved in the smuggling of stolen luxury vehicles out of the U.S. into Europe. Independent analysis of a SAR filing showed suspicious behavior that related to the Russian organized crime network that was under investigation. The SAR filing was later brought to the attention of the Customs case agent who used the filing to identify additional associates and bank accounts. The information contained in the SAR filing contributed to the successful prosecution of the suspects and the seizure and forfeiture of assets. (Source: U.S. Customs Service)

Excerpted from SAR Activity ReviewOct. 2000 Issue , page 18