Pioneering US money laundering litigator joins MKS Law as Counsel
Wilmer “Buddy” Parker joins MKS Law as Counsel this January, bringing over 50 years of criminal defense and prosecution experience.
MKS Law is delighted to welcome veteran U.S. litigator Wilmer “Buddy” Parker to its team, strengthening its presence in the USA and in cross-border fraud and asset recovery cases.
Buddy has over 50 years of experience prosecuting and defending high profile criminal cases, for both the United States Department of Justice and as a private defense attorney, with a special expertise in fraud, money-laundering, and forfeiture matters.
He has joined MKS Law as Of Counsel in January 2026, adding to the team’s depth and expertise in criminal justice litigation, civil and criminal forfeiture matters, and commercial litigation.
“Buddy helped to pioneer money laundering cases in the U.S., having been a federal prosecutor in some of the largest such matters of their kind, as well as having a stellar reputation in private practice,” said Martin Kenney, Head of Firm at MKS Law.
“His extensive trial experience and his extensive experience in international investigations has made him one of the most recognized litigators in this highly-specialized field.
“We are extremely lucky to have him available to us in the New Year, and I look forward to working together on many new matters in the coming months.”
Buddy Parker added: “I’m extremely happy to be joining Martin, whom I’ve known for many years, and his team at MKS Law.
“I look forward to using my experience and knowledge in evaluating and investigating new matters involving complex fraudulent transactions and the movement of stolen wealth.
“Many US frauds involve the movement of proceeds off-shore. Victims include individuals, commercial businesses and financial institutions. The services of MKS Law can be of great value to clients seeking recovery of stolen monies.”
Background
Buddy Parker entered government service in 1978 in Washington, D.C., as a trial attorney of the U.S. Department of Justice.
He participated in investigations and prosecutions of frauds in the country, before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Atlanta, prosecuting RICO, fraud, drugs, and money laundering cases, many national in scope.
He has received five national awards for trial advocacy skills and was one of the pioneers of U.S. money laundering cases. Through the international aspects of these investigations, Buddy became a recognized expert, making numerous presentations throughout Europe, North America and the Caribbean.
He also served as an instructor and lecturer for numerous training programs for both U.S. and international law enforcement, including training of law enforcement officers from Europe and Canada.
“Buddy Parker is a longtime board member, fiery prosecutor and dynamic speaker, who’s energized this audience for decades.”
– Ryan Rasske, American Banker’s Association
Private Practice
Since 1997, Buddy has primarily represented individuals and corporations in far-reaching criminal investigations and prosecutions throughout the Untied States and internationally. He has also represented individuals in complex civil litigation.
He has represented both public and private corporations, lawyers, accountants, corporate officers, bankers and other professionals in various mail and wire fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, immigration, public corruption, commercial bribery, and forfeiture investigations and prosecutions.
In addition, Buddy has also participated in investigations before the Serious Fraud Office (United Kingdom) and acted as a consultant to European lawyers.
His extensive trial experience and his extensive experience in international investigations has made him one of the most recognized litigators in this highly-specialized field.
Awards
Buddy is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and actively participates in a leadership role in its Criminal Justice Section, which appointed him as its representative on the Advisory Board of the American Bankers Association – American Bar Association Anti-Money Laundering Conference for ALM and Fraud Risk professionals.
Recently, The American Bankers Association recognized Buddy’s decades of service and leadership in the financial crimes field with its Distinguished Service Award for Financial Crimes.
Buddy is peer rated by Martindale Hubbell as AV Preeminent, the highest level of professional excellence. Further, he is rated a “Super Lawyer” and “Best Lawyer.”
“Buddy has successfully prosecuted for us a civil RICO claim involving extortion by an attorney, recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars lost through fraud, and is currently prosecuting a complex case involving Brazilian fraud. His analytical skills are extraordinary, his expertise excellent.”
– Renee Haugerud, Founder/Chief Investment Officer, Galtere (NYC investment firm)
