Financial Intelligence and Money Laundering: A Comparative Case Study of the UK and Brazil

Abstract

Financial Intelligence and Money Laundering: A Comparative Case Study of the UK and Brazil July 2020 Glasgow University Student ID: 2401161s DCU Student ID: 18114270 Charles University Student ID: 46010726 Louise Nathalie Vingert Silveira Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies Word Count: 24,094 Supervisor: Dr. Eamonn Butler McIntosh Date of Submission: 29th July 2020 Abstract: Money Laundering (ML) offers criminals the means to hide their illicit proceeds allowing them to enjoy their profits or further reinvest in criminal activities. Financial intelligence provides a comprehensive and effective strategy to disrupt these criminal networks increasing security worldwide. To this purpose the use of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) are central in detecting suspicious transactions and providing law enforcement with useful intelligence. The international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regime offers flexibility on the type of their institutional arrangement which have translated into four models by state practice. The aim of this dissertation is to explore this flexibility and question if the model adopted by a country influences its operations. A mix method approach consisting of document analysis and comparative...