Transaction laundering is a type of money laundering
Transaction laundering is a type of money laundering in which one online retailer utilizes a legitimate payment processor to process payments for another merchant who is involved in illicit operations. The unlawful merchant essentially hides behind the legitimate merchant to complete transactions, making it more difficult for authorities to track the cashback to their illegal source. As a result, police have a more difficult time tracing funds back to an unlawful source since they hide behind genuine businesses.
Several procedures must be implemented to avoid transaction laundering. Here are several illustrations:
Due diligence: Payment processors and banking institutions must perform due diligence by verifying a merchant’s identification, analyzing their business strategy and financial data, and looking for red flags.
Monitoring: Payment processors and banking institutions should keep an eye on their merchants for suspicious conduct, such as unexpected spikes in transaction volume, unusual transaction patterns, or transactions with high-risk nations.
Technology Solutions: Payment processing firms and banks can also leverage technological solutions, such as identification of fraud software, to assist detect and prevent transaction laundering.
Education and Training: Prevention of transaction laundering can be accomplished by education and training. Payment processors and banking institutions may educate their merchants on the risks of transaction laundering and how to avoid it by educating their personnel on how to recognize and report suspicious behaviour.
Collaboration: Collaboration among payment processors, banks, and law enforcement organizations can also aid in the prevention of transaction laundering. They can more efficiently identify and shut down illicit operations if they collaborate and share information.