Fraud in which individuals misrepresent themselves or lie about the terms of contracts is typically evident as a pattern. Prosecutors and international investigators often spend years building cases against defendants, amassing a great deal of documentary and testimonial evidence. Cases in Missouri may involve interstate and worldwide money transfers. Obviously, these cases become rather complex. 

There are many types of fraud. There are also often international, federal and state law issues involved. Accused individuals therefore often have a hard time understanding the indictment documents.

The Star Tribune reported on one international fraud arrest involving people of various nationalities from many different places, including Indiana, California and Ghana. The accusations in question included the use of fake emails to defraud millions of dollars. 

This is a typical example of this type of arrest, specifically in the fact that officials simultaneously detain seemingly unconnected individuals across the world. Unfortunately, these types of sweeps occasionally pick up people who are not criminally involved or could not have reasonably had knowledge of any unlawful activity.

The Department of Justice describes many different categories of fraud indictments, including:

• Fraud by wire, TV or radio
• Mail fraud
• Scheme or artifice to defraud 
• Schemes to sell counterfeit goods

Since defending against these charges depends so heavily upon an understanding of the exact criminal accusations, the prosecutors must draft their initial documents precisely and accurately to ensure validity. 

The language of the DOJ indictments and the complex web of case law precedents makes it difficult to predict the outcome of any given federal wire fraud trial. This system compels many defendants, even those who are wrongfully accused, to enter into bargains in which they offer a guilty plea. Sometimes, this is the best course of action — but it is almost always necessary to negotiate tenaciously in order to secure the absolute minimum penalty.