Money laundering is the lifeblood of narcotics trafficking and other financial crimes.
Moreover, it fuels organized criminal activity. These criminal organizations now dwarf some of the world s largest legitimate business enterprises, laundering enormous sums of money throughout the international financial system. These organizations buy and sell drugs, deal in weapons, sponsor terrorism and corrupt government officials. No nation is immune and no nation acting alone can eradicate this international threat of the 21 st century. FinCEN s unique staffing reflects and sustains its mission.