Experienced money launderers can easily exploit the international anti-money laundering (AML) supervision and its subsequent rules. In the process, dispersing the proceeds of organized criminal activity across multiple jurisdictions. All the while avoiding detection and obfuscating any potential investigation. Catching and stopping these well-organized underworld mechanisms requires a broad range of tools and the ability to work seamlessly across jurisdictions. That is the expertise you get when you turn to Guardian Security.
At Guardian Security, we have years of experience helping people and companies throughout Long Island, New York and meet every challenge head on. Our money laundering investigators understand the tactics these criminals utilize and know the best ways to stop and catch these perpetrators. We have the tools and wherewithal to unravel complex money laundering operations and continue to invest in the latest technology. Always staying at the forefront of the world. We tailor each of our investigations to each client and their needs. Formulating an investigation that tackles the issues at hand.
For more information about our money laundering investigations, please give us a call today. The number for our office is 631-351-6473. When you call, we can provide you with a consultation to go over the parameters of your case and formulate the best course of action. And check out all of the investigative services we offer.
What is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the method criminals use to clean dirty money and is the illegal process of making large sums of money through criminal activities. "Dirty money" is the profit that criminals generate through various criminal activities. These activities can include, but are not limited to, drug narcotics, human trafficking, and smuggling. The idea of money laundering is to hide the source of income, so the criminals have full access to their illegal money. Criminals, mafias, drug peddlers and terrorist groups all use money laundering to get a legitimate source of income. And with their money laundering methods, they make it less likely to be suspected by the authorities of wrongdoing.
Why Hire a Private Investigator for Money Laundering Cases?
Expertise: Private investigators often have specialized training and experience in financial crimes and money laundering investigations. They may have a better understanding of the complex financial transactions and methods used in money laundering. As well as be able to follow the trail of illicit funds more effectively.
Independence: Private investigators are not affiliated with any government agency or law enforcement agency, which can be an advantage in some cases. They are able to conduct their investigations independently, without being influenced by external factors or agendas.
Discretion: Private investigators are typically bound by confidentiality agreements and can conduct their investigations discreetly. All without attracting any unwanted attention. This can be especially important in sensitive cases, such as those involving money laundering, where the reputation of the individuals or organizations involved may be at stake.
Resources: Private investigators often have access to a wide range of resources, such as specialized databases and software. All of this can help trace financial transactions and gather evidence. They may also have connections and networks of contacts that can be useful in the course of their investigations.
When it comes down to it, hiring a private investigator in a money laundering case can be an effective way to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and bring those responsible to justice.
Stages of Money Laundering
There are three stages to any money laundering process. Those stages are placement, layering and integration.
Placement: This is where the money is moved from one destination to another in order to conceal its original source. Criminals disguise the original funds by circulating the illicit money through different money trails. And then place the money in financial institutions, offshore accounts, currency exchange services, or other legal establishments. There are various methods with which to achieve placement and those methods include:
- currency smuggling
- bank complicity
- currency exchanges
- blending of funds
- asset purchases
- securities brokers
Layering: This is the step that aims to make the detection of money more difficult and cover the laundering activity. When they layer, it makes the tracking of illegal proceeds carried out by law enforcement agencies more difficult. Layering will include the following methods:
- cash converted into monetary instruments.
- tangible assets bought with cash and then sold.
Integration: This is the process that involves money that has been laundered through placement and layering in order to move into the economy legally. The main way is through the banking system. When integration occurs, the financial transaction appears to be part of the legal business earnings. However, this is not the same as layering because with integration detection and identification of money laundered are provided through informants. The methods of integration include the following:
- sales of properties
- front companies and false loans
- foreign bank complicity
- false invoices of import and export