What constitutes involvement in money laundering?

Involvement in money laundering primarily revolves around the process of disguising the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by passing it through a complex sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions. The key aspect of money laundering is the act of concealing criminal property, which involves taking funds derived from criminal activity and making them appear legitimate.

This process often consists of three stages: placement, layering, and integration. Concealing criminal property fits directly into this framework, as it involves actions aimed at hiding the illegal source of the funds. In contrast, while facilitating peer-to-peer transactions or providing financial advice may involve handling money, these actions do not automatically imply an intent to conceal criminal property. Advising clients on tax avoidance, although potentially morally questionable, also does not equate to money laundering unless it involves illegal activity aimed at concealing funds derived from crime.

Thus, the act of concealing criminal property not only is a fundamental component of money laundering but also highlights the intent behind such actions—transforming illicit funds into what appears to be legitimate assets.