In a major success for law enforcement, Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto, a Costa Rican national aged 43 and residing unlawfully in the United States, has received a 97-month federal prison sentence for his participation in an elaborate money laundering scheme. The scheme defrauded elderly victims across the United States out of more than $2 million. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi, at the federal court in Trenton.
The Scheme
Between August 2019 and October 2021, Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto participated in a conspiracy orchestrated from Costa Rica. The conspirators targeted elderly Americans, using phone calls to deceive them into believing they needed to pay taxes and fees for lottery winnings or to settle penalties with the U.S. government. The victims, convinced by these fraudulent claims, were induced to wire or mail substantial sums of money to Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto.
The intricate operation exploited the vulnerabilities of the elderly, leveraging the fear of governmental penalties and the allure of lottery winnings to extract significant amounts of money. This type of fraud not only causes financial harm but also emotional distress to victims, many of whom lose their life savings.
The Role of Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto
Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto acted as the primary U.S. contact for the Costa Rica-based conspirators. His role was pivotal in the laundering process. He received over $2 million from the victims and facilitated the transfer of the majority of these funds to his co-conspirators in Costa Rica. Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto kept around $400,000 as payment for the services he provided.
Legal Proceedings
Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. During the sentencing, Judge Quraishi highlighted the severity of Chanto’s actions, highlighting the premeditated nature of the scheme and the significant impact on the victims. In addition to the prison sentence, Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration and to pay restitution of $2.07 million.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation was a coordinated effort involving special agents from the FBI’s Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, and the FBI’s Cleveland Division, Youngstown Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen. Their diligent work was instrumental in unraveling the complex web of transactions and deceit that characterized the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited these agents with bringing Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto to justice, noting the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in tackling such sophisticated financial crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Ramey and Ashley Super Pitts from the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the government.
Implications and Broader Context
This case is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by international fraud schemes, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations such as the elderly. The sentencing of Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar activities. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting in the fight against fraud.
Elderly individuals are often targeted in such schemes due to perceived vulnerabilities, including isolation, cognitive decline, and a trusting nature. The financial and emotional toll on victims can be devastating, highlighting the need for continued public education and preventive measures.
The sentencing of Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto marks a significant achievement for the U.S. law enforcement and justice systems in their efforts to combat international fraud and protect vulnerable citizens. While Chanto’s imprisonment and the restitution order provide some measure of justice for the victims, the case also serves as a crucial reminder of the pervasive nature of financial fraud and the ongoing need for vigilance, enforcement, and support for those affected.
As the legal process concludes for Esteban De Jesus Campos Chanto, the broader effort to safeguard elderly Americans from such predatory schemes continues. Public awareness campaigns, community support programs, and robust legal frameworks are essential in preventing future incidents and ensuring that those who perpetrate such crimes are held accountable.
