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Rahanpesu (tietoa rikoksista, hero) en

Money laundering

Money laundering might sound like a funny term, but it refers to criminal activity. Money laundering is where illegally obtained money or other assets are "laundered," i.e., circulated in such a way that the money or assets appear to have been obtained legally. For example, a money launderer may deposit money obtained from drug sales or online scams into a bank. 

You can see banknotes in the open wallet.

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Sain somessa oudon pyynnön ottaa vastaan rahaa pankkitililleni (tietoa rikoksista, rahanpesu) en

I received a strange request on social media to accept money into my bank account – Where should I report it?

You can leave an online tip-off to the police at poliisi.fi/en/net-tip or notify the Financial Intelligence Unit at the National Bureau of Investigation by email to rahanpesuilmoitukset@poliisi.fi.

If you notice suspicious transactions in your account or suspect that your bank details have been compromised, report it to your bank immediately and then file a police report with the police.

Älä suostu näihin pyyntöihin (tietoa rikoksista, rahanpesu) en

Never agree to these requests

  • You are asked for your bank account access codes in exchange for payment.
  • You are asked to lie about where you got a lot of money.
  • You are asked to pay workplace invoices through your own bank account.
  • You are asked to transfer money from one account to another. 
  • You are asked to convert virtual currency into real money for someone else.

Mitä minulle voi seurata, jos suostun "muuliksi"? (tietoa rikoksista, rahanpesu) en

What could happen to me if I agree to be a "mule"?

People who help with money laundering are called "mules". Some people may also recruit you to help with money laundering. For example, you may be asked to give your bank account details to someone else or to deposit a large amount of cash into your bank account in exchange for a reward.

You may also be asked to receive virtual currency, for example through your gaming account, and transfer the money to someone else's account. You may also be given money or valuable items to keep at home or promised "easy money" for work that requires no skills or experience. Money laundering also includes taking out a loan on behalf of someone else and transferring the money to them.

Money laundering is a serious crime that can result in imprisonment and damages. Even if you know the person asking you to launder money well, there may be a very dangerous and violent criminal group behind your recruitment. You may be threatened and blackmailed if you refuse to continue. Money laundering can also lead to other problems. Your bank account may be closed, or you may no longer be granted loans from a bank. 

Testaa tietosi: Rahanpesu (tietoa rikoksista, rahanpesu) en

Test your knowledge: Money laundering

I was offered €200 to let someone use my bank account. This can't be a serious crime because I only get a small reward for it.

False

Even if you only get a small reward for allowing strangers to use your bank account, you may be guilty of aggravated money laundering. 

When I opened a bank account, I was asked all sorts of strange questions, such as where my money comes from and how much I earn. So I was suspected of being some kind of money launderer?

False

The questions do not directly mean that you are suspected of money laundering. The bank has a legal duty to know all its customers in order to detect abuse and prevent accounts from being used for money laundering. That is why the bank will also ask you questions about your money. 

Money laundering can only be done using real euros not cryptocurrencies

False

Cryptocurrencies, or virtual currencies, can also be used to obliterate proceeds earned through crime. For example, criminals involved in drug trafficking and fraud often use virtual currencies for money laundering.

Someone I know sent me virtual currency, and asked me to transfer the money to my bank account and forward it to their friend who doesn't have a virtual currency wallet. This could be money laundering.

True

You should be wary of requests to receive money and transfer funds to a third party, even if the requester is known to you. Transferring money through your account may be a form of money laundering. 

I am not sure whether this is a case of money laundering, so I cannot report it.

False

It is always advisable to report suspicious incidents. The authorities can use your report to investigate the matter further.