Money laundering typically involves three stages: Placement, Layering, and Integration. Let's break down each stage for clarity and to verify why the correct answer isC. Integration:
* Placement
* This is the initial stage where illicit funds enter the financial system.
* For example, depositing large amounts of cash into a bank, buying high-value assets, or smuggling cash to another country.
* Layering
* This stage involves separating the illicit funds from their illegal origin by conducting complex layers of financial transactions.
* Examples include wire transfers, currency exchanges, and purchasing securities to obscure the money trail.
* Integration(Final Stage)
* The last step involves reintroducing the "cleaned" money into the legitimate economy.
* At this stage, the laundered funds appear to be derived from legitimate sources.
* Examples include investing in real estate, luxury assets, or legitimate businesses.
* This stage is critical because it completes the money laundering cycle and makes the funds usable without arousing suspicion.
Why the Correct Answer is "C. Integration"
* Integration represents the culmination of money laundering efforts.
* It allows the perpetrator to enjoy the proceeds of crime by disguising them as legitimate income or assets.
* This stage relies heavily on creating the illusion of legality.
* ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists): Discusses the standard three-stage process of money laundering.
* International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management (ICWIM) Study Guide: Outlines the process in Chapter 3 (AML & CFT).
* Financial Action Task Force (FATF)Guidelines: Recognizes the integration phase as the endpoint of the money laundering cycle.
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