May 24, 2025

Two Berkeley County Men Indicted for Money Laundering

News Summary

Jimmy Soares De Oliveira Carvalho and Jose Rivelino Serafim Da Silva have been indicted on 17 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering involving an alleged operation that laundered $74 million through shell companies. The pair reportedly created ten fake companies to cash checks, charging significant fees while employing undocumented laborers. They face potential sentences of 20 years in prison, with further investigations leading to multiple lawsuits against the companies involved.

Charleston, West Virginia – Two men from Berkeley County, Jimmy Soares De Oliveira Carvalho, 46, and Jose Rivelino Serafim Da Silva, 51, have been indicted on 17 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering by a federal grand jury. The charges stem from an alleged operation that laundered approximately $74 million through a network of shell companies posing as construction firms.

The indictment claims that Carvalho and Da Silva created ten shell companies that facilitated the cashing of checks from January 2017 until their arrests. They reportedly charged fees of 3 to 5 percent per transaction to cash these checks, significantly profiting from their illicit activities. Furthermore, the operation was purportedly linked to payments made to undocumented laborers employed in the construction industry, raising legal concerns regarding labor practices.

Da Silva was arrested on May 21, found in possession of $7,000 in cash and checks intended for cashing at local banks, which further implicated him in the money laundering scheme. Federal agents from the IRS and ICE executed simultaneous raids, targeting locations including an apartment complex in Hanahan. During these raids, agents seized substantial evidence including financial records and $120,000 in cash.

Both Carvalho and Da Silva could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the money laundering charges, with additional counts potentially carrying up to 10 years each. Also, Carvalho faces an extra charge of witness tampering; he allegedly intimidated a cooperating witness involved in cashing checks connected to the scheme.

Investigation findings reveal evidence linking Carvalho to several Brazilian bank accounts, one of which contained $55,000. Da Silva, who has lived in the U.S. for six years under a visa, raised concerns about flight risk considerations during a bail hearing, which resulted in the judge denying him bail. Carvalho waived his right to a bail hearing and remains in custody.

Authorities conducted extensive surveillance on both men, monitoring their movements and banking activities that included meetings at various banks throughout the Charleston area. The indictment indicates that the duo established bank accounts for laundering proceeds from illegal transactions.

In the wake of the investigation, it has surfaced that up to ten different lawsuits have already been filed against the shell companies operated by Carvalho and Da Silva. These lawsuits involve allegations of construction defects and breach of contract, illustrating the impact of the alleged scheme on the local construction industry. Many contractors had reportedly sought out Carvalho, Da Silva, and their associates linked to the eleven limited liability companies implicated in this case.

Prosecutors are actively reviewing whether to file further charges or take additional action against the various companies involved in this extensive money laundering operation. The ongoing investigation highlights potential legal and regulatory implications for the construction sector in the region, as federal agencies continue to crack down on fraudulent practices and illegal employment practices.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

North Charleston Begins Early Voting for City Council Election
Two Brazilian Men Indicted in $74 Million Money Laundering Scheme
Investigation Launched into Hope Florida Foundation Amid Medicaid Controversy
Tragic Loss of U.S. Lawyer Jessica Aber at 43
Charleston Restaurant Owners Sentenced for COVID-19 Fraud
North Charleston Faces Special Election Amid Corruption Scandal
Aimee Bock and Salim Said Found Guilty in Fraud Case
North Charleston Councilman Faces Major Corruption Charges
North Charleston Faces Corruption Scandal Involving City Council
North Charleston Prepares for Special Election Amid Corruption

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.