Thomas Cataloni, a resident of Walpole, was sentenced on April 15 in federal court in Boston to four months in prison and one year of supervised release for his involvement in a scheme to smuggle precious metals from Colombia into the United States and launder related funds. Cataloni, 46, was convicted in January of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the country, international money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering after being charged in November 2022.
The case highlights efforts by federal authorities to address international smuggling operations that use creative methods to evade customs controls. According to prosecutors, Cataloni and his co-conspirators sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to Colombian bank accounts in 2018 as payment for gold and platinum. The metals were melted down and disguised as crude jewelry items such as chains or purse straps so they could be worn by travelers entering the United States without declaration at customs.
Two co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty; one has been sentenced earlier this year while another awaits sentencing later this year. The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian J. Sullivan and Samuel R. Feldman from the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said valuable assistance came from Customs & Border Protection; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; and police departments from Canton and Walpole.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws through prosecutions involving national security threats, civil rights violations, and other crimes according to its official website. The office also advances community initiatives on civil rights issues and violence prevention according to its official website.
Serving all residents across Massachusetts since its establishment in 1789, the U.S. Attorney’s Office operates out of facilities at the John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse in Boston with branch offices located in Springfield and Worcester according to its official website. Employing over 200 attorneys, paralegals, and professional staff members according to its official website, it is a component agency within the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.