NCJ Number
179612
Date Published
1999
Length
481 pages
Annotation
This guide has two themes: (1) reasons why law enforcement officers should use available laws and techniques to investigate money laundering activities of criminals; and (2) learning how to conduct effective criminal investigations is not difficult.
Abstract
Money laundering is a serious crime, one that involves billions of dollars, and major criminals know how to protect themselves by money laundering schemes. Financial evidence and investigative techniques work in money laundering cases. At the same time, changes in laws and policies are making an adequate understanding of money laundering, asset forfeiture, and other issues associated with money laundering. As long as people commit crimes motivated by greed, financial investigative techniques can be used to solve such crimes. The guide contains a wealth of information and many case examples organized in three parts. The first part covers money laundering concepts and law, with emphasis on basic concepts and the historical context of money laundering, Federal and State money laundering statutes, money laundering forfeiture, and international money laundering control. The second part deals with the basics of financial investigation and considers books and records, indirect methods of proving income, business and banking operations, domestic and international banking, wire transfers, real property, and securities. The third part contains examples of the investigation of money laundering cases. Appendixes include a glossary of accounting and money launder terms, a source debriefing guide, and forms used in investigating money laundering cases. References, tables, figures, and photographs