Apr.13, 2010, 1:15

About 468 boxes of gold, silver, gemstones and watches, totaling more than $40 million arrived in Austin, Texas on April 12, 2010 as a result of an international money laundering investigation.

The assets, weighing more than ten tons, were transferred to the U.S. after it was forfeited, announced Special Agent- in-Charge John P. Gilbride of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, and Eugene C. Corcoran, United States Marshal.

Two companies in the Colon Free Zone in Colon, Panama were identified as responsible for laundering narcotics proceeds from the United States.

"This unique seizure represents a model of international cooperation, persistence and diligence," said Gilbride. "Criminals who attempt to thwart the efforts of international law enforcement through complex trade-based money laundering schemes will not triumph".

"This forfeiture of more than $40 million in jewelry should remind criminals around the globe that they will be found, prosecuted and stripped of assets that are not theirs to keep," said Breuer.

"This seizure demonstrates extreme skill, utilizing technology and strategic outreach to our international partners spreading the footprints of justice and the rule of law across the globe," said Corcoran.

The original investigation resulted in the first U.S. indictment of an offshore business eliciting Black Market Peso Exchange money laundering where drug proceeds in the U.S are exchanged for Colombian pesos and then used to purchase goods in the Colon Free Zone.

Yardena Hebroni and Eliahu Mizrani were identified as major launderers from Panama. The two used a wholesale jewelry business, and a related company for the illegal activities.

Hebroni and Mizrahi pleaded guilty to the charges.

"The forfeited assets will be liquidated with the final proceeds from those sales placed into the Department of Justice's Assets Forfeiture Fund", stated a press release. "The Assets Forfeiture Fund can be used to enhance future criminal investigations, recognize the critical assistance of our foreign law enforcement counterparts, and support other law enforcement initiatives."