Integration (Money Laundering)
The final stage of money laundering, where cleaned funds re-enter the legitimate economy appearing to be from a lawful source.
Also known as: integration stage, laundering integration
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Integration is the third and final stage of the money laundering process. Having placed cash into the financial system and layered it through complex transactions, the criminal now uses the 'cleaned' funds to purchase legitimate assets or invest in legal businesses — making the money appear to derive from lawful activity.
Common integration techniques include buying luxury real estate, high-value vehicles, art, jewellery, or shares; creating legitimate-looking businesses; or repaying artificial loans from offshore companies the criminal also controls.
For consumers, integration-stage schemes include high-return investment pitches funded by criminal proceeds (which criminals need to explain away), or being offered a stake in a business that is actually a laundering vehicle. If an investment opportunity seems implausibly profitable and involves an unusually complex ownership or payment structure, treat it as a red flag.