Washington Man Pleads Guilty to $97.1M Money Laundering

Geoffrey K. Auyeung, a 47-year-old from Newcastle, Washington, has pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy involving $97.1 million. Auyeung used nine shell companies to deceive victims with fake oil and gas investment opportunities, channeling the fraud proceeds into 81 bank accounts and 19 cryptocurrency accounts. The funds were then swiftly moved to accounts in Russia and Nigeria controlled by his co-conspirators.

Auyeung personally gained at least $4.07 million from the scheme. As part of his plea agreement, he will pay $24.7 million in restitution and forfeit $10.1 million in assets. Prosecutors have suggested a 63-month prison sentence, with final sentencing set for May 12, 2026.