Criminal networks exploit Norwegian tourism for money laundering

Økokrim’s 2026 threat assessment reveals that criminal networks are increasingly infiltrating legal Norwegian industries, specifically targeting the tourism sector due to weak oversight. These networks utilize front companies and straw men to establish themselves within the legitimate economy to facilitate money laundering.

The report highlights extensive trade-based money laundering, noting connections to Chinese authorities and the use of cash and Chinese payment platforms to obscure financial flows. There are also indications that some tourist guides are complicit, receiving payments to direct tourists to specific shops used for laundering cash.

In Northern Norway, a region of significant military strategic importance, the growing tourism industry presents an intelligence risk. The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) views the intelligence threat from China as large and increasing, noting that the tourism sector provides an opportunity for foreign actors to establish a presence under the guise of legitimate business.