Is combatting money laundering an integrity issue? Insights from Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine how integrity influences money laundering combatting.

Design/methodology/approach

A 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.

Findings

Analysis 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 implications

There 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/value

This study is among the few research that covers the area of integrity and its influence on combatting money laundering from law enforcement investigators’ perspective.