NCJ Number
150504
Journal
Global Finance Volume: 8 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 34,36,38
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Although Russia has a commercial banking system less than 6 years old, the country has become a money laundering center for Colombian drug lords, the Italian Mafia, and Russian emigre crime wizards; Eastern European countries are also targets of money launderers.
Abstract
Laundered cash, both foreign and domestic, has become integral to Russia's economy. Whether the money comes from drugs, arms sales, prostitution, or other illegitimate activities, it finances banks, keeps state industries afloat, and buys Russian raw materials. Money laundering is legal in Russia, but regulations have been introduced to track and prevent the use of illegal contracts to launder money abroad. In Eastern Europe, Hungary has the most advanced banking system and is the most sophisticated money laundering center. Money laundering methods in both Russia and Eastern Europe include bogus investments in luxury hotels, rigged import-export deals, and illegal activities associated with the oil industry. To combat money laundering, Russian authorities are hoping for greater cooperation with western law enforcement agencies. Further, the Yeltsin government is drafting anticrime legislation that will eventually include prohibitions against money laundering and follow international standards that require reporting cash deposits over $10,000.