Case library · The Black Market
The Duffle Bag Trade
United States v. Carlos Rafael (2017)
Charge: False records, conspiracy, cash smuggling & tax evasionCourt: U.S. District Court, D. MassachusettsState: MassachusettsDocket: The Black Market
Did the fleet owner knowingly file false catch reports and unlawfully carry the cash proceeds out of the country?
The facts
The owner of a large groundfish fleet told the regulator his boats were landing haddock and other plentiful species. Much of it was really cod and sole, which are held to tight quotas. About 780,000 pounds was reported wrong over four years. The fish went to a wholesaler in another city, who paid in cash in duffle bags. Some of that cash was carried abroad.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Rafael, No. 1:16-cr-10124 (D. Mass. 2017)
Read more at justice.gov. The source reveals the outcome.