A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Money Laundering and Related Scams: Trends, Influences, and Research Gaps

A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Money Laundering and Related Scams: Trends, Influences, and Research Gaps

Introduction

Money laundering has become a critical concern at both national and international levels, threatening financial institutions and economies worldwide. It involves disguising the origins of illegally obtained funds, typically through methods such as placement, layering, and integration. With the rise of digital banking, cryptocurrencies, and complex cross-border transactions, the detection and prevention of money laundering have become increasingly challenging. This study provides a detailed bibliometric analysis of global research trends on money laundering and associated scams, drawing on 262 publications up to early 2025 indexed in the Scopus database.

Growth and Evolution of Research

The volume of scholarly work on money laundering has surged significantly over the last decade, particularly after 2010. This increase corresponds with stricter international regulations like those introduced by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and various Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLDs). Notably, 2024 saw a peak in publications, reflecting heightened academic and regulatory interest possibly triggered by advances in financial technologies, high-profile cases, or new legal frameworks. The COVID-19 pandemic also shifted banking operations, exposing vulnerabilities that intensified research focus.

Key Themes and Research Clusters

The bibliometric analysis reveals several thematic clusters within money laundering research:

• Financial Crime and Regulatory Frameworks:

  Central to the literature is an emphasis on anti-money laundering laws, regulations, and institutional responses. Terms like “financial crime,” “tax evasion,” and “anti-money laundering” dominate this core cluster, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen legal mechanisms.

• Technology and Machine Learning:

  A growing body of work focuses on applying artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity to detect suspicious transactions and prevent laundering activities. This cluster underscores the intersection of finance and technology in combating illicit financial flows.

• Cryptocurrencies and Financial Innovations:

  Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have emerged as new vehicles for laundering money. Research investigates blockchain’s dual role in promoting financial inclusion while posing risks through underground economies.

• Crime and International Relations:

  This cluster explores the links between money laundering and global criminal activities like drug trafficking and human trafficking. It also examines enforcement challenges in different countries, emphasizing regional cooperation and geopolitical influences.

• Laws and Regulations:

  This area studies compliance with AML policies, focusing on politically exposed persons (PEPs), financial institutions’ roles, and the effectiveness of international agreements.

Bastian Schwind-Wagner_Follow "Recent research shows a significant increase in global scholarly attention to money laundering driven by technological advances and regulatory reforms. Despite progress, critical gaps remain in cross-border enforcement studies and integration of digital tools for effective prevention."

Geographic Distribution and Collaborations

Research output is concentrated mainly in Western countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia, which also serve as hubs connecting global academic networks. Other active contributors include Germany, France, India, Netherlands, China, Malaysia, and Italy. Collaborations tend to cluster regionally but also reflect global partnerships driven by shared concerns over financial crime. These interactions facilitate knowledge exchange essential for addressing cross-border money laundering challenges.

Leading Authors and Influential Publications

Prominent researchers in the field include Fabian Teichmann, Donato Masciandaro, Brigitte Unger, Michael Levi, Friedrich Schneider, and Joras Ferwerda. While some authors lead in publication volume, others have higher citation impacts, reflecting their influence on shaping scholarly discourse. Their work spans economics, law enforcement efficacy, technology applications, and regulatory practices.

Key Journals and Funding Sources

The Journal of Money Laundering Control dominates as the primary publication outlet both in volume and citations. The Journal of Financial Crime follows closely. Funding primarily comes from organizations like the European Commission, national ministries of education, economic research councils, and universities worldwide. These sponsors support multidisciplinary investigations critical to advancing AML strategies.

Research Gaps and Future Directions

Despite extensive research growth, notable gaps persist. Cross-border comparative studies remain limited, particularly focusing on enforcement mechanisms in developing economies. The integration of emerging digital tools like AI and blockchain into AML frameworks warrants deeper exploration. Additionally, the social and ethical dimensions such as incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into AML compliance need more attention. Future research should also investigate the evolving relationship between financial innovation and illicit finance to design adaptable regulatory responses.

Conclusion

This bibliometric review highlights the complex and evolving nature of money laundering research. It demonstrates an expanding academic interest fueled by technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and increasing global collaboration. By mapping influential authors, key themes, and geographic contributions, this study provides valuable insights into current knowledge landscapes while outlining critical areas for future inquiry. Continued interdisciplinary efforts will be essential to address emerging challenges in detecting and preventing money laundering worldwide.