Unraveling the Twisted Web of Illicit Enterprises: A Mother-Son Duo's Downfall

In a shocking turn of events, a Broward County mother and son have been arrested and charged with money laundering, their alleged involvement in a criminal enterprise centered around prostitution and real estate manipulation exposed. The investigation has shed light on the intricate web of shell companies, property transactions, and financial maneuvers used to conceal the true nature of their operations, leaving authorities determined to dismantle this complex scheme.

Uncovering the Seedy Underbelly of a Family-Run Criminal Enterprise

The Alleged Prostitution Ring and Money Laundering Scheme

According to court documents, Christopher Jelavic, 48, and his 70-year-old mother, Margareta von Lambert, have been operating a Pompano Beach business called "Pretty Woman Escorts" as a "criminal enterprise engaged in commercial sex." The duo reportedly created the business on Sunbiz on April 20, 2000, and since then, they have allegedly used shell corporations registered with the Florida Division of Corporations to "facilitate the laundering of commercial sex proceeds."The investigation revealed that Jelavic's bank accounts allegedly received approximately $174,000 in the form of Zelle, credit card transactions, and cash deposits that were derived from prostitution earnings between June 2023 and June 2024. These payments were then allegedly funneled out of his accounts as checks and online transfers to joint accounts with von Lambert, which were mentioned in discussions between the duo in August.During this time, von Lambert's bank accounts received about $84,000 in deposited checks and Zelle payments that came from those other accounts. The documents also stated that one of Jelevic's shell companies sold a Tamarac property, and the real estate agent involved was von Lambert, who helped "facilitate this money laundering transaction."

The Alleged Attempt to Flee the Country

According to the documents, authorities were led to believe that Jelavic and von Lambert attempted to leave the U.S. and head to Brazil to avoid prosecution. This revelation adds an additional layer of complexity to the case, as the duo seemingly sought to evade the consequences of their alleged criminal activities.

The Unraveling of the Scheme

The investigation into Jelavic and von Lambert's activities began in January, when detectives with the Broward County Sheriff's Money Laundering Task Force became aware of Jelavic after finding multiple ads and classifieds for "escort services." Despite previous investigations into Pretty Woman Escorts, none had been successful in disrupting or dismantling the business.Through a series of investigative techniques, including surveillance, traffic stops, subpoenas, controlled recorded calls, confidential sources, undercover operations, trash searches, and arrests, detectives were able to gather information and uncover the alleged pattern of racketeering activity involving prostitution and money laundering.

The Downfall of the Mother-Son Duo

The investigation culminated in the arrests of Jelavic and von Lambert. Jelavic was arrested on September 11th, and his mother, Margareta von Lambert, was arrested the following day. The two are currently facing one count of money laundering over $100,000 within 12 months and deriving support from prostitution proceeds.The downfall of this mother-son duo serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of engaging in illicit activities. The intricate web of shell companies, real estate transactions, and financial maneuvers employed to conceal their alleged criminal enterprise highlights the lengths some individuals will go to in an attempt to evade the law.As the case unfolds, the public and legal authorities will be closely watching to see how the justice system responds to this complex and troubling situation. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader fight against organized crime and money laundering.