Money Laundering-Suppression of Evidence

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7^th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: United States of America v. Huazhi Han

Case No.: 23-1020

Officials: Flaum, Brennan, and Kolar, Circuit Judges.

Focus: Money Laundering-Suppression of Evidence

Huazhi Han was convicted of money laundering and associated offenses. Han utilized his electronics business to launder money for Mexican drug traffickers. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Chicago Police Department (CPD) launched an investigation into a Chicago-based money laundering network in which Han played a pivotal role. Han received cash proceeds from drug trafficker Rafiq Roman on multiple occasions. Roman’s subsequent cooperation with authorities led to Han’s arrest. During a search of Han’s vehicle, officers discovered a loaded firearm, approximately $200,000 in cash, and counterfeit currency. A further search of Han’s residence uncovered nearly $1.3 million in cash, a money counter, rubber bands, and firearms.

Han faced indictment on four charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Ahead of trial, Han sought to suppress evidence seized from his home, arguing that the search lacked a warrant or his consent. The district court denied his motion, determining that Han’s wife had consented to the search voluntarily. At trial, Han was convicted on all charges following a jury trial.

On appeal, Han contended that the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress, admitting threatening evidence, and denying his mistrial motion based on the government’s closing argument. The Seventh Circuit found no errors and upheld the district court’s rulings. The appellate court concluded that Han’s wife had indeed given voluntary consent to search their home, the threatening evidence was relevant to Han’s crimes, and the prosecutor’s closing arguments did not prejudice the fairness of the trial.

Affirmed.

Decided 06/28/24

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