Former TD Bank Employee Charged in Colombia-Linked Money Laundering Scheme

Leonardo Ayala allegedly facilitated millions in illicit transactions using shell company accounts and bribe payments.

A former employee of TD Bank, N.A., has been charged with facilitating a money laundering conspiracy involving millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds transferred to Colombia. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the arrest of Leonardo Ayala, 24, of Homestead, Florida.

Ayala, who worked at a TD Bank branch in Doral, Florida, was charged with one count of money laundering conspiracy. He appeared in Miami federal court on December 10, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid. Released on a $100,000 bond and location monitoring, Ayala awaits trial.

Bank Exploitation

According to court documents, Ayala worked at TD Bank between February and November 2023. Investigators allege that starting in June 2023, Ayala used his insider position to assist a money laundering network.

After another TD Bank employee opened accounts under the names of shell companies with nominee owners, Ayala issued multiple debit cards linked to those accounts in exchange for bribes. The accounts facilitated the laundering of narcotics proceeds, with cash withdrawals occurring at ATMs in Colombia.

Authorities allege that Ayala’s actions helped the network launder millions of dollars through TD Bank accounts.

Penalties

The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Ayala also faces a potential fine of $500,000 or twice the amount laundered, whichever is greater.

Ongoing Investigation

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.

The charges are accusations, and Ayala remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Law enforcement continues to investigate the broader network responsible for the illicit financial operations.