8 from St. Louis plead guilty sending illegal profits from stolen goods to Palestinian groups

8 plead guilty to sending illegal money to Mideast

ST. LOUIS — Eight men have pleaded guilty to federal charges for selling stolen goods at five St. Louis area convenience stores and funneling part of their profits to the Palestinian territories.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Reap says the men bought stolen goods at low prices and then sold them for a large profit. He would not say how much money they made and how much was sent to Palestinian groups.

Reap’s spokeswoman said Wednesday there was no evidence the money supported terrorist activities.

Attorneys for some of the men say they were simply sending money to relatives for medical care.

Three pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to structure the exportation of monetary instruments to avoid reporting requirements. Five others pleaded guilty to racketeering.