Florida Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for Role in Money Laundering Conspiracy Linked to Romance Scams

Cristine Petitfrere, a 30-year-old resident of Miramar, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for her involvement in a money laundering conspiracy tied to romance scams that defrauded American victims. The sentencing marks a significant step in addressing the growing menace of online scams targeting vulnerable individuals.

Petitfrere admitted to laundering millions of dollars on behalf of her overseas co-conspirators. Acting as an intermediary, she facilitated the transfer of funds extracted from victims through fraudulent online relationships, keeping a portion for herself while passing the majority to accomplices abroad.

Romance scams typically involve criminals creating fake identities to establish emotional connections with victims, often through online dating platforms. Once trust is gained, the fraudsters manipulate victims into sending money under fabricated circumstances, such as urgent medical emergencies or investment opportunities. These scams not only lead to substantial financial losses but also inflict severe emotional harm on the victims, many of whom are elderly or otherwise vulnerable.

In September 2024, Petitfrere pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Southern District of Florida. Court documents revealed that she personally laundered over $2.7 million in criminal proceeds. In addition to her prison sentence, Petitfrere was ordered to forfeit $203,815.59, the amount she personally profited from the scheme.

“Romance scams are a growing threat to Americans, particularly to the elderly and vulnerable,” stated 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.”

The case underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to combating online fraud and protecting victims from such exploitative schemes.