FLORIDA — A former TD Bank employee has been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering after allegedly facilitating the movement of narcotics proceeds to Colombia, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to the DOJ, Leonardo Ayala, 24, worked at a TD Bank branch in Doral from February to November 2023. Federal prosecutors allege that Ayala, beginning in June 2023, exploited his position to assist a money laundering network.
Mr Ayala reportedly issued dozens of debit cards linked to accounts under shell companies with nominee owners in exchange for bribes. These accounts were allegedly used to launder millions of dollars, with funds withdrawn at ATMs in Colombia.
Ayala was arrested and made his initial appearance in Miami federal court on Dec. 10, with future proceedings scheduled in New Jersey. If convicted, Mr Ayala faces up to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Newark Field Office, DEA San Juan Field Office, and FDIC Office of Inspector General New York Field Office. Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Bank Integrity Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce are prosecuting the case.
