A Florida woman was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months in prison for her role in a money laundering conspiracy connected to romance scams that defrauded American victims, officials stated.
Cristine Petitfrere, 30, of Miramar, Florida, was sentenced after admitting to personally laundering millions of dollars as part of her participation in the conspiracy.
“Romance scams are a growing threat to Americans, particularly to the elderly and vulnerable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to vigorously pursue those who help facilitate these criminal enterprises, whether they work on the frontlines of deception or behind the scenes.”
According to officials, Petitfrere facilitated the transfer of large sums from romance scam victims to overseas co-conspirators, keeping a portion as payment and forwarding the rest.
Romance scams exploit individuals seeking companionship online, using fake personas to build trust and convince victims to send money under false pretenses, such as emergencies or investments. These scams cause substantial financial and emotional harm.
In September 2024, Petitfrere pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Southern District of Florida.
According to her plea agreement, Petitfrere personally laundered over $2.7 million of criminal proceeds. As part of her sentence, Petitfrere was ordered to forfeit $203,815.59 in proceeds that she personally received from the offense.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Matthew A. Robinson and Lauren M. Elfner of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case.