A federal jury in Boston has convicted Thomas Cataloni, 46, of Walpole for his involvement in a scheme to smuggle gold, platinum, and other precious metals from Colombia into the United States and launder the related proceeds. The conviction was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
Cataloni was found guilty of one count each of money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States, and international money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris has scheduled sentencing for April 15, 2026. Cataloni had been charged in November 2022.
According to evidence presented at trial, Cataloni and his co-conspirators sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to Colombian bank accounts in 2018 to pay for gold and platinum that would be brought into the U.S. without declaration at customs. To avoid detection, the metals were melted down in Colombia and shaped into items resembling crude jewelry such as chains, keychains, and purse straps. Individuals then wore these items when flying from Colombia to the United States without declaring them at customs.
Two co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty and are expected to be sentenced later this year.
The charge of money laundering conspiracy and international money laundering each carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines up to $500,000 or twice the value involved—whichever is greater. The conspiracy to smuggle goods charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation received assistance from Customs & Border Protection; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Canton Police Department; and Walpole Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian J. Sullivan and Samuel R. Feldman are prosecuting the case.