What does the term “smurfing” refer to in the context of money laundering?

The term "smurfing" in the context of money laundering refers to the practice of breaking down large amounts of cash into smaller transactions. This tactic is often employed to avoid detection and reporting thresholds set by financial institutions and regulatory authorities. When large sums of money are deposited or transferred as smaller increments, it significantly reduces the chance that these transactions will trigger Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) or Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), which are required for larger amounts.

By using this method, individuals seeking to launder money can further disguise the origins of illicit funds and integrate them into the financial system with less scrutiny. Smurfing is effective because it leverages the principle of volume over size, allowing illicit actors to operate under the radar of regulatory systems designed to catch large-scale money laundering operations. Understanding this term is crucial for compliance professionals working to identify and combat money laundering activities effectively.