# FATF warnings on professionalized money laundering networks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fatf-warnings-on-professionalized-money-laundering-networks
> Updated: 2026-09-03T22:36:28.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued warnings regarding the professionalization and evolution of global underground banking and hawala networks. These systems are increasingly operating under a ‘money laundering as a service’ model, where sophisticated, scalable, and commercially operated cross-border networks provide laundering functions for criminal organizations in exchange for commissions.

Initial reports highlight that over 80% of reporting jurisdictions identified these informal systems as primary channels for professional money laundering. These networks are reportedly used to channel funds to terrorist organizations, such as ISIL and Da'esh, through methods involving shell companies, forged records, and manipulated trade documents. In some cases, individual operations have processed hundreds of millions of euros in illicit cash over short periods.

The threat has further evolved through digitalization, leading to the rise of ‘digital hawala.’ Criminal organizations are now integrating cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to coordinate rapid international transfers. The FATF noted that approximately 70% of consulted jurisdictions reported the integration of new technologies into these systems, specifically highlighting the use of stablecoins to settle accounts without the physical movement of cash.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: FATF warns of digital money laundering via AI and crypto

The FATF warns that criminal groups are using AI, cryptocurrencies, and encrypted messaging to evolve traditional money laundering into a highly efficient, digitalized “as a service” model.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fatf-warns-of-digital-money-laundering-via-ai-and-crypto

### 2026-09-03: FATF report warns of professionalized global hawala and underground banking networks

The FATF reports that professionalized underground banking and hawala networks are being used globally to facilitate large-scale money laundering and fund terrorist groups like ISIL and Da'esh.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fatf-report-warns-of-professionalized-global-hawala-and-underground-banking-networks

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Cite as: FATF warnings on professionalized money laundering networks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fatf-warnings-on-professionalized-money-laundering-networks