Which is NOT an element of money laundering under 18 U.S.C. 1957?

Which is NOT an element of money laundering under 18 U.S.C. 1957?

• A. Intent to launder money
• B. Involves a monetary transaction
• C. Proceeds of crime
• D. Knowledge funds are from crime

Answer: (A)

Money laundering under 18 U.S.C. 1957 focuses on a monetary transaction involving property derived from specified unlawful activity, with the amount typically at least $10,000, and the defendant’s mental state being either knowledge that the funds come from crime or an intent to promote the criminal activity. The key idea is that the statute punishes moving or using illicit proceeds, not simply having a vague desire to “launder” money. Therefore, the element that is not required is an explicit “intent to launder money.” The law targets the act of handling funds known to be from crime or used to further crime, as well as the monetary transaction itself. The other elements—having a monetary transaction, involving proceeds of crime, and the knowledge about the illicit origin of the funds—fit squarely within the statutory framework.

Money laundering under 18 U.S.C. 1957 focuses on a monetary transaction involving property derived from specified unlawful activity, with the amount typically at least $10,000, and the defendant’s mental state being either knowledge that the funds come from crime or an intent to promote the criminal activity. The key idea is that the statute punishes moving or using illicit proceeds, not simply having a vague desire to “launder” money. Therefore, the element that is not required is an explicit “intent to launder money.” The law targets the act of handling funds known to be from crime or used to further crime, as well as the monetary transaction itself. The other elements—having a monetary transaction, involving proceeds of crime, and the knowledge about the illicit origin of the funds—fit squarely within the statutory framework.