The role of financial institutions in laundering money for the Mexican drug cartels.
详细信息
文摘
The rise of Mexico's drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) has increased to great levels due to the vast sums of money that these illicit businesses generate. These organizations are forced to constantly search for ways to launder their profits. The purpose of this capstone is to evaluate the role of Casas de Cambios and Money Services Businesses in the fight against money laundering. The intent behind this capstone is to shed light on how these businesses are used as vehicles to launder the DTOs' cash. The research suggests that Casas de Cambios are poorly regulated in Mexico. This project documents how U.S. Government organizations such as the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have proven to be important in providing data to regulators and law enforcement to combat money laundering. Changes made to anti-money laundering laws and regulations have proven to be important tools in combating illicit practices. It is revealed that although the US is continuously revising their anti-money laundering regulations,the same cannot be said for Mexico and that there is a need for cooperation between the countries in order to restrict this ever-growing problem. The lack of transparency present in Mexico makes it even more difficult to determine if existing laws are having any effect in combating this crime. The proceeds from drug trafficking contribute to the drug war and the violent crimes committed by the DTOs. Recommendations to the Mexican Government are made regarding ways to identify money laundering and create processes for effectively combating future crimes.