Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Computer Science

First Advisor

Margaret McCoey

Abstract

Reportedly, governments, states departments, analysts and law enforcement state, "money laundering has a corrosive effect on a country’s economy. The degree of destruction caused by money laundering interrupts the business flow, runs the risk of financial burdens on banks, and ruins countless countries’ reputation for allowing widespread laundering. Money laundering’s significant consequences are the exposure to the communities; because of the criminal elements individuals are subjected to laundering, i.e., fraud, drug trafficking, and other financial crimes” (Freeman, 2011). It is no surprise that internationally all communities want the battle against money laundering and its use to finance terrorism to become a priority. Therefore, investigators’ efforts focus on the protection of integrity, the international front of financial systems. Money is the lifeblood for many terroristic organizations, which is why money-laundering investigations focus on stopping the flow of funds and availability to terrorists, in hopes of causing difficulty in profiting from the criminal aspects. Surveillance and expertise in financial investigations, are an essential part of an international attempt to combat money laundering and run interference to financing terrorism (Freeman, 2011). The strategy is to reassert commitments to secure financial systems from all criminals and financiers of terror. This investigative report will focus on money laundering and the various illegal forms it takes. In addition it will identify the techniques and the many countermeasures used to detect and prosecute those who manipulate currency in an effort to help terroristic causes. Existing international standards and vital international players are assisting in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Combating money laundering will take a team effort (Freeman, 2011).

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