Geldwäschebekämpfung

Geldwäschebekämpfung is the German term for combating money laundering. It refers to a set of legal, regulatory, and operational measures aimed at preventing criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income. The core objective is to disrupt the financial flows that support criminal activities, thereby reducing the profitability and attractiveness of crime.

Key elements of Geldwäschebekämpfung include Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, which require financial institutions to verify the identity of their clients and assess the risks associated with their transactions. Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are another crucial component, obliging entities to report any transactions or activities that raise suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing to the relevant authorities.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and regulations provide the legal framework for these measures. These laws often impose strict obligations on financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) such as lawyers and real estate agents, and other entities that handle significant financial transactions. Enforcement agencies, like financial intelligence units (FIUs), investigate these reports and coordinate efforts to trace and seize illicit assets.

Internationally, organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) set global standards for Geldwäschebekämpfung, which many countries, including Germany, transpose into their national legislation. The effectiveness of Geldwäschebekämpfung relies on continuous adaptation to new criminal methods and international cooperation to counter the global nature of money laundering.