On March 10, 2025, the Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) published the "X Report on Typologies and Warning Signs of Money Laundering in Chile", corresponding to the period 2019-2023.

The report, based on an analysis of 191 final convicting sentences issued by Chilean courts over the last five years, identifies trends, warning signs, maneuvers, and money laundering schemes.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Convictions: Between 2019 and 2023, 395 people were convicted for money laundering: 266 men and 129 women.
• Predicate offenses: Most convictions are related to:
  • Organized crime: drug trafficking, illicit association, and smuggling.
  • Corruption: embezzlement of public funds, tax fraud, and bribery.
  • Economic crimes: fraud, smuggling, and misappropriation.
• Geographic distribution: Most convictions were in the Metropolitan Region (74.3%), followed by Arica and Parinacota and Tarapacá (21% each).
• Most vulnerable economic sectors:
  • Vehicle sales (73.9%).
  • Notaries' offices (57.6%).
  • Banks and real estate registrars (44.6% each).
• Common money laundering schemes:
  • Use of front men (79.3%).
  • Creation of fictitious legal structures (48.9%).
  • Smurfing (17.4%).
  • Fictitious or abnormal commercial operations (12%).
  • Use of legal and financial professionals as "gatekeepers" (5.4%).
• Financial products used:
  • Cash (94.9%).
  • Bank accounts (55.7%).
  • Credit (27.8%).
  • Vouchers (12.7%).
• Identified warning signs:
  • Transactions inconsistent with the client’s economic capacity.
  • Indications that the buyer is attempting to conceal their identity.
  • Repeated transactions in the name of third parties.
  • High-value transactions without economic justification.
  • Abrupt changes in financial behavior with no apparent explanation.
  • Rapid acquisition of high-value assets.

To access the full UAF report, click on the following link.