Mapping the Nodes: Understanding Collaborative Dynamics in the UK's Anti-Money Laundering Network

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Abstract

This article explores collaborative efforts between law enforcement authorities and relevant organisations, including private sector organisations, in the fight against money laundering in the UK. Employing social network analysis (SNA), it investigates how these actors harness network resources to combat the infiltration of illicit funds into the legal economic system. The results reveal a network structure characterised by distinct power dynamics among its nodes. Both public and private entities act as "brokers," strategically placed to bridge network barriers and regulate the flow of resources. The analysis elucidates that the anti-money laundering network in the UK exhibits traits akin to various network typologies, as previously identified in security network scholarship, including information exchange networks, knowledge-generating networks, problem-solving networks, and coordination networks. Furthermore, the study sheds light on different forms of collaborative links within the network, distinguishing between tactical and operational intelligence exchanges, alongside strategic ties. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of collaborative efforts in combating money laundering, emphasising the significance of diverse stakeholders and their strategic positioning within the network architecture.

Author

• Diana Bociga, PhD candidate University of Manchester