Cross-countries analysis demonstrates the negative effect of SDGs on money laundering levels, suggesting improvements for anti-money laundering initiatives.
The paper aims to test the relationship between SDGs and money laundering levels. The empirical study is based on a panel dataset composed of 117 countries, covering many continents and income levels, over the period 2012–2019. Results reveal that SDGs impact significantly and negatively on money laundering levels. Additionally, Goal 16, related to “peace, justice and strong institutions” impact negatively on money laundering levels. To reinforce robustness, additional analyses were applied to address endogeneity and heterogeneity concerns. The global practice of money laundering poses a threat to economic stability. Subsequently, international organizations and regulatory authorities have moved to enhance the appropriate mechanisms to constrain the spread of money laundering. Consequently, our findings may help in the development of anti‐money laundering initiatives for countries.
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Talbi et al. (2026) studied this question.
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