The role of auditors: Research into organised crime and money laundering

The paper explores auditors insight and experience of money laundering as well as the potential role the auditing profession can play in combating it

In line with international developments, legislative measures to combat aspects of organised crime such as money laundering are being stepped up in the SADC region. However, gaps in knowledge still remain regarding the nature and extent of money laundering within the SADC  states making it difficult to formulate appropriate strategies. This paper is based upon both telephonic and written surveys of auditors employed by four major multinational auditing firms in seven southern African countries. The paper explores auditors insight and experience of money laundering as well as the potential role that the auditing profession can play in combating it. 

Authors

Andre Standing is a PhD candidate registered at the criminology department at Middlesex University in London. In 2000 Andr?e received a Leverhulme Trust studentship to conduct research on organised crime in South Africa.

Hennie van Vuuren is a Senior Researcher with a focus on Anti- Corruption Strategies at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Cape Town. He holds degrees in African Political Studies and Political Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and the Free University (Berlin).