Safe Havens

“Whoever knowingly conducts an unlicensed money transmitting business” is in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1960.  This involves basically running a “Western Union” style business without a license.  Although this offense is included in the “racketeering” chapter of the United States Code, this is another example of a regulatory offense.  The statute does not require any intent to commit fraud or theft, and does not fall within any of the offenses covered under the aggravated felony racketeering ground.[222]  See § § 7.80-7.82, 7.95, 7.103, supra.  As a mere regulatory offense, this should not constitute either an aggravated felony, or a crime of moral turpitude.  See § 7.108, supra.

[222] INA § 101(a)(43)(J), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(J).