Is combatting money laundering an integrity issue? Insights from Nigeria

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to determine how integrity influences money laundering combatting.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach using methodological triangulation was used to answer the question to describe and understand the phenomena from the participants’ perspective. Data was gathered with a semi-structured questionnaire, observation and field notes.FindingsAnalysis revealed that 93% of law enforcement investigators believe integrity is required to combat money laundering. They also observed that integrity is needed for the political environment, institutions and their personnel or officers.Practical implicationsThere is a need for integrity in the economy’s public and private sectors to combat money laundering effectively. Integrity must be present in the political environment, institutions and personnel. Hence, a recommendation is to appoint chief integrity officers in all stakeholder organisations.Originality/valueThis study is among the few research that covers the area of integrity and its influence on combatting money laundering from law enforcement investigators’ perspective.