How does money laundering work? - Delena D. Spann

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Money laundering is the term for any process that “cleans” illegally obtained funds of their “dirty” criminal origins, allowing them to be used within the legal economy. And the practice is about as old as money itself. But how does it actually work? Delena D. Spann describes the ins and outs of money laundering.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Delena D. Spann
  • Director Juan M. Urbina
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Animator Richard Plata, Jose Moreno
  • Character Designer Richard Plata
  • Illustrator Jose Moreno, Karlos Velasquez
  • Compositor Fermin Mulett
  • Sound Designer Camilo Vega
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Adrian Dannatt
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Want to find out more about how money laundering works? This link will provide some answers. Now, watch this video summary: Money Laundering Explained.

What is the connection between fraud and money laundering? Find out here. The Russian Laundromat, a money laundering scheme to move large amounts of money out of Russia, is an interesting case. 

What is in store for the future of money laundering? Fraud Magazine has an interesting article on the topic: The Virtual Future of Money Laundering & Bitcoin.

Interested in a career fighting against money laundering? Visit the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists to find out what it takes to become involved in this type of employment.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Delena D. Spann
  • Director Juan M. Urbina
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Animator Richard Plata, Jose Moreno
  • Character Designer Richard Plata
  • Illustrator Jose Moreno, Karlos Velasquez
  • Compositor Fermin Mulett
  • Sound Designer Camilo Vega
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Adrian Dannatt

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