ACAMS Updated CAMS Exam Questions and Answers by lucca

According to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), substantial growth in wealth during a short period of time is a red flag for money laundering or terrorist financing. Additionally, when a client is a family member of a politically exposed person (PEP) from a country known for corruption, it raises concerns about the potential for corruption, bribery, or influence peddling. In this case, the client's father became the president of Country B, which makes him a PEP.

Money laundering through real estate transactions involves integrating illicit funds into the legitimate financial system while providing a relatively “safe” property investment. In this context, the most relevant factor to examine is the beneficial owner of the asset. Identifying the true owner behind a property helps uncover potential money laundering schemes. Criminals often use third parties, shell companies, or complex ownership structures to distance the transaction from the source of illicit funds. Investigating the beneficial owner’s identity is crucial for detecting and preventing real estate-related money laundering12.

Wire stripping is a technique used by money launderers to remove or alter information that identifies the originator or beneficiary of a wire transfer, in order to avoid detection or tracing. To detect wire stripping, a bank employee should compare the wire transaction as it enters and after it leaves the bank, and look for any discrepancies or missing information in the fields related to the originator or beneficiary. The employee should also check for suspicious phrases usually used to conceal originator or beneficiary identity, such as “for further credit”, “in favor of”, “on behalf of”, or “as instructed”.

CAMS Study Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.21

CAMS Study Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 5, Section 5.31

ACAMS Chapter 3 Exam Questions, Question 792

FATF Guidance on Transparency and Beneficial Ownership, Section 3.23

 Structuring transactions is a common method of money laundering, where cash deposits or withdrawals are broken down into smaller amounts to avoid reporting or record-keeping requirements. Employees who unintentionally assist customers in structuring transactions may not be aware of the legal and regulatory implications of their actions, or may have been misled or coerced by the customers. Therefore, the most appropriate and proportionate response is to provide remedial training to these employees, to ensure they understand the anti-money laundering policies and procedures, the red flags of suspicious activity, and their reporting obligations. Terminating, contacting law enforcement, or transferring these employees may be excessive, premature, or ineffective measures, depending on the circumstances and the level of involvement of the employees.

ACAMS Study Guide for the CAMS Certification Examination - 6th Edition, Chapter 2: Money Laundering Risks and Methods, page 31.

ACAMS CAMS Certification Video Training Course, Module 2: Money Laundering Risks and Methods, Lesson 2.3: Structuring and Smurfing.