Money Laundering Techniques

Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) refers to the process of disguising the proceeds of crime and moving value through the use of trade transactions in an attempt to legitimize their illicit origins. Unlike traditional forms of money laundering that involve financial institutions, TBML primarily exploits the complexity and volume of international…

Money laundering through real estate refers to the illegal process of integrating illicitly obtained funds into the legitimate economy through the purchase, sale, or investment in real estate properties. This method is attractive to criminals due to the potential for large financial transactions and the complexity of real estate transactions,…

Money laundering through gambling refers to the illicit practice of integrating illegally obtained funds into the legitimate economy through gambling activities. Criminals engage in this activity by using casinos, online gambling platforms, or other betting venues to convert illicit proceeds into ostensibly legitimate winnings. Gambling activities provide a means to…

Money laundering through foreign legal entities refers to the illicit practice of integrating illegally obtained funds into the legitimate economy through entities established in foreign jurisdictions. Criminals engage in this activity by setting up or using foreign companies, trusts, foundations, or other legal entities to conceal the origin of illicit…

Money laundering via laundromats refers to the illicit practice of integrating illegally obtained funds into the legitimate economy through seemingly legitimate businesses such as laundromats. Criminals engage in this activity by using cash generated from criminal activities, such as drug trafficking or corruption, to conduct transactions through laundromats. These businesses…

Money laundering through cash refers to the illicit practice of integrating illegally obtained funds into the legitimate economy using physical currency. Criminals engage in this activity by converting large amounts of cash generated from criminal activities, such as drug trafficking or corruption, into seemingly legitimate funds through various methods. These…

Money laundering through gold, jewelry, and luxury goods refers to the illicit practice of using precious metals, gemstones, high-end jewelry, luxury watches, and other valuable items to conceal the origins of illegally obtained funds. Criminals may purchase these items with dirty money and then resell them or use them as…

Money laundering through professional intermediaries refers to the illicit process of using individuals or entities who provide professional services, such as lawyers, accountants, or financial advisors, to facilitate the laundering of illicit funds. These intermediaries, due to their professional status and client confidentiality privileges, may knowingly or unknowingly assist criminals…

Money laundering through underground banking refers to the illegal process of using informal networks, often outside of traditional banking systems, to transfer money internationally or domestically while disguising its origins. These networks operate outside of regulatory oversight and may involve unregistered money service businesses or individuals acting as intermediaries without…

Money laundering through cryptocurrencies refers to the illicit practice of using digital currencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, to conceal the origins of illegally obtained money. Cryptocurrencies provide anonymity and are decentralized, making them attractive for criminals seeking to launder funds without detection. This process typically involves converting illegally obtained…