Inside the Cartels and Chinese Money Laundering Networks Driving Criminal Economies

Report

Inside the Cartels and Chinese Money Laundering Networks Driving Criminal Economies

Thank you for your interest in our report!

Cartels and their criminal financing continue to evolve, using professional networks to launder the proceeds from narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, environmental crime, fuel theft and oil smuggling, corruption at ports and “taxation” of local economies.

Download our latest report for an assessment of money laundering methodologies and red flags – and the actionable steps financial institutions can take.

Key Topic Covered

The Cartels
Cartel Revenue Sources
Money Laundering Methodologies
Focus Areas: Mirror Transfers, Crypto, Casinos, Daigou, Students as Money Mules
Use of Illicit Funds
Actions for Financial Institutions

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Compliance Training as a Strategic Control

March 5, 2026

When training reflects how an institution actually operates, its value extends beyond compliance. This article examines the business case for custom compliance training and why it plays a critical role in managing risk and protecting institutional credibility.

What Effective Compliance Training Looks Like

February 25, 2026

Custom compliance training is often misunderstood as light tailoring. This article explains what real customization looks like in practice, from risk-aligned content and role-specific learning to training built around real decisions, controls, and regulatory expectations.

Why and How Standardized Training Falls Short

February 18, 2026

Today’s financial institutions operate across different products, jurisdictions, and threat environments. This article examines why standardized training falls short and where generic programs consistently break down in practice.

Wynn or Lose

February 11, 2026

Casinos have long been associated with money laundering and organized crime. Explore the recent Wynn Las Vegas $130 million forfeiture as a case study, including threats such as Chinese Money Laundering Networks, mirror transfers, proxy gambling, and the use of shell companies.

Electronic Fund Transfer Consumer Protection

February 5, 2026

The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) was established to protect consumers using electronic fund transfers. Explore what is considered in scope and the changes proposed to include crypto.

Following the Illicit Funds

January 28, 2026

As crypto grows, so does regulatory oversight. From SARs and CTRs to MSB registration and potential FBAR requirements, crypto businesses are now firmly within the scope of financial regulations.

Blind Spots in the System

January 21, 2026

When transaction monitoring fails, the cost goes far beyond fines. This article explores why many programs still miss critical red flags and how effective training helps teams to strengthen detection, calibration, and oversight where it matters most.

Top 10: Cartel Finance & Chinese Money Laundering Networks

January 15, 2026

The Institute for Financial Integrity has identified the “Top 10” list of actionable resources for financial institutions to use to detect and respond to cartel finance and CMLNs. These can inform policies, processes, systems, controls, and training programs.

Synthetic Identities

January 8, 2026

Fraud generates billions in proceeds every year, and the use of AI significantly increases the speed, scale, and likelihood of success. Synthetic identities are already leveraged to open accounts used to commit fraud and launder money. Explore red flags and actions financial institutions must take to detect and respond to AI-enabled synthetic identities.

Inside the Cartels and Chinese Money Laundering Networks Driving Criminal Economies

Thank you for your interest in our report!

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