Summary
Details how to identify trade-based money laundering activity and how to tackle the activity.
This handbook aims to provide an accessible and easy to understand guide to trade-based money laundering. The principles of TBML will be highlighted through a deep dive into Operation A, an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs, the UK’s tax and customs authority, into a significant organised crime group which was disrupted and the subjects involved successfully prosecuted.
The handbook is primarily intended for a UK audience and references to systems, databases and human resources are specific to UK authorities.
However, the handbook offers useful information for anyone in a role exposed to TBML. While system names may differ across jurisdictions, they likely contain comparable information such as:
- customs data
- import and export data
- company ownership information
- suspicious transactions reports
Contents
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Introductory information on trade-based money laundering (TBML).
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Provides information on trade financing to help clarify common techniques of TBML.
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Details of offences, regulations and case studies.
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Examples and case studies of evidence.
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Case study of use of customs and other data.
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Information and case studies on prosecution.
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Provides the list of challenges overcome during the investigation.
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Details of the lessons learnt based on the experience of the case team.