My point was related to those already practicing money laundering. They already know it's illegal, what's one more criminal act? Once you are invested, it's not a problem.
Something I think you are missing is that at the moment if the government is investigating potential money laundering and the trail leads to a shell company then the trail ends there. With the new law, if the company is registered to someone that doesn't exist then a felony has been committed and they can probably seize all the assets of the company.
If the criminals risk forfeiting their money they may look to other avenues instead of using American shell companies.
I very much doubt anyone is under the illusion that this will stop criminals trying to launder money through American companies, it just makes it easier to seize assets of potential laundering operations and to investigate sources.
Your lie has to pass scrutiny. Your lawyer also had to be willing to lie on paper. The companies who set up these fake corporations (with bogus boards) now have to supply a real person. If they don’t make an attempt to verify this information, then they become criminally liable too.
Ummm, you don't anyone to fill business fillings for you in the US. So no, you don't need anyone else to lie, no need to add conspiracy to the charges.
Also, finding an attorney that is willing to lie, is very easy. How do you think all this stuff is already happening illegally now? ;)
Right, so if government agents can’t string you up for your actual crime (which they probably suspect but cannot prove) then they can get you for lying on a government form.
