Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist Certification (CAMS) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes money laundering?

1. The act of investing in stocks

2. The process of concealing illegally obtained money

3. A legitimate business operation

4. The act of stealing cash

The correct answer is: The process of concealing illegally obtained money

The definition provided in the answer accurately captures the essence of money laundering. Money laundering is fundamentally about the process of taking illicitly obtained funds—often resulting from criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, or fraud—and making them appear legitimate. This typically involves a series of transactions and maneuvers designed to obscure the original source of these funds, thereby allowing the perpetrators to utilize the money without exposing their criminal activities. The other options do not adequately represent the concept of money laundering. Investing in stocks is a common financial activity that does not inherently involve illegal activities. A legitimate business operation, by definition, operates within the bounds of law and does not engage in concealing illegal funds. Similarly, stealing cash is a criminal activity but does not describe the subsequent process of laundering that cash to integrate it into the financial system without the hint of its illegal origins. Thus, the distinction between the correct and other options underscores the unique focus of money laundering on concealment and legitimacy.