US authorities say they have evidence that money launderer Sabrina Budhram transferred at least US$10,000 to two women related to accused drug trafficker Roger Khan.
New York District Attorney Benton Campbell, in a letter to Khan’s lawyer John Bergendahl, has said that in addition to a hand written drug and money laundering ledger seized from Budhram’s home, authorities also found financial records for Celine Harripersaud and Ashley Khan, both of whom are related to Khan.
Among the records is a funds transfer request showing that on October, 25, 2005 Budhram sent US$10,000 to the two women. Bank records indicated that in 2001, a company associated with the Budhrams transferred money to a bank account in the name of Khan’s wife and child and it appeared that Khan was in direct contact with the Budhrams in early 2003. Toll records indicate that someone at Budhram’s residence spoke to Khan or his representative between February 25, 2003 and March 2, 2003. “These contacts suggest that Budhram laundered money for Khan,” Campbell said.
Budhram and her husband Arnold have pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in New York and are currently awaiting sentencing. Campbell said the government believes the couple laundered money for Guyanese drug traffickers, including Khan. Bergendahl also represents Khan, who is facing drug trafficking charges in the US.
In his letter, dated October 14, 2008, Campbell advised that several individuals who may testify at Khan’s trial have knowledge, either directly or from co-conspirators, of Budhram’s activities.
The prosecution may also introduce evidence that Budhram laundered money for others involved in drug trafficking who are expected to testify against Khan. Campbell said that in order to corroborate testimony by prosecution witnesses they may introduce the money ledger and other documents seized from the couple’s home to show that Sabrina was in fact involved in money laundering.
A hearing was expected to be held last Friday to determine whether Bergendahl’s representing both Khan and Budhram is a conflict of interest. Campbell told Bergendahl that his clients would be in the best position to advise him of any potential conflict of interest and he noted that they would also have the right to waive it.
As part of their plea agreement, the Budhrams forfeited over US$400,000. The Budhrams were arrested and charged with money laundering on April 6, 2004 and investigators searched their home and offices and gathered a large amount of evidence. They were granted US$5 million bail each on the charges and were subsequently released under electronic monitoring and they were not allowed to leave their home without permission, except to go to work.
Arnold Budhram, a bank vice-president and his wife Sabrina, a radiology technician, used a company they had set up and their connections to launder money for drug traffickers operating in Guyana. Sabrina Budhram is the sister of Peter Morgan, who is now facing drug charges in New York, after he was extradited from Trinidad. Records showed that in at least one case the couple transferred funds in his name.
