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.

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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