Man Pleads Guilty to Laundering Proceeds from Elder and Computer Fraud Schemes

Hector Claveria of Elmhurst, New York, Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison

NEWARK, N.J. - A Queens man has admitted to laundering money obtained through elder fraud and computer fraud schemes, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Hector Claveria, 51, of Elmhurst, New York, pleaded guilty to international money laundering before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court.

According to court documents and statements, Claveria acted as a money mule in early 2020 by collecting cash from victims, knowing it was the result of illegal activities. In June 2020, he laundered $20,000 by wiring it from his U.S. bank account to a foreign bank account, fully aware that the transfer was intended to hide the illicit nature of the funds.

The funds were tied to two fraudulent schemes. The first involved elder fraud, where victims were deceived into believing they owed money to government agencies or companies and were instructed to send payments to locations specified by the scammers. 

The second scheme involved computer fraud, where victims were tricked into believing they owed money to a computer services company and were similarly directed to send payments to designated locations. Claveria's role was to facilitate the movement of these illicit proceeds.

Claveria faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds. His sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the successful investigation to the special agents of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York Field Division, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Parker.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chana Zuckier of the OCDETF Unit and Jennifer Kozar of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.