Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity is a federal offense in the United States that involves the use of tainted money, or money that was obtained from the proceeds of criminal activity. This offense is sometimes referred to as money laundering, as money is often used to conceal the source of the funds and make it appear legitimate. It is also known as 18 U.S.C. § 1956 or the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986. The types of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity include knowing monetary transactions in criminally derived property, structuring transactions to evade Currency Transaction Reports, and promoting money laundering. In order to be convicted, a person must have knowledge that the money used in the transaction was derived from criminal activity, and must have had the intent to conceal the source of the funds. Penalties for this offense can include fines and up to 20 years in prison.