"Congress clearly has the power," he said, "to prevent defendants from using the illegal proceeds of narcotics trafficking for any purpose, including attorneys' fees."

Government investigators said the illegal proceeds from the scheme totaled as much as $400 million.

Many of the illegal proceeds also allegedly go to fund terror, drugs and other illegal activities.

The authorities seized more than $1 million in cash as well as cars and homes they say were bought with illegal proceeds.

The investigation resulted in arrests and the seizure of $35 million in illegal proceeds from drug money.

But, the embassy continued, criminal groups also use the schemes to disguise and launder illegal proceeds.

Real estate: Real estate may be purchased with illegal proceeds, then sold.

He said detectives had seized $1.1 million in illegal proceeds that had been deposited in a bank.

B8 A suspended judge pleaded guilty to racketeering and agreed to forfeit $150,000 in illegal proceeds.

Federal prosecutors are also seeking $650,000 in illegal proceeds made by Mr. Wang.