Wildlife Laundering and Money Laundering Associated With ILLegal Wildlife Trade in Brazil

Objective: The aim of this paper is to investigate conceptual, technical and legal aspects of wildlife laundering and money laundering associated with the illegal wildlife trade (IWT), with three main objectives: (i) to define “wildlife laundering”; (ii) to assess the distinctive features of IWT-related money laundering and the global efforts to counter it; and (iii) to consider these issues in the Brazilian context. Theoretical Framework: To underpin this research, we analyzed the concepts of “wildlife” and “laundering”, thereby building a theoretical bridge between environmental sciences (biodiversity conservation) and accounting and financial disciplines (financial crime law and forensic accounting). Method: Our approach comprised a literature search on wildlife laundering and IWT-related money laundering, followed by a critical assessment of the Brazilian regulatory framework and a proposal of legislative reform aimed at improving the national response to these issues. Results and Discussion: Wildlife laundering is a sophisticated mechanism within IWT, particularly because of its links to the formal wildlife production and trade sector. Given its close relation to money laundering, it demands a coordinated, targeted response from both environmental enforcement agencies and financial authorities. Global efforts to address IWT-related money laundering are emerging; however, despite progress internationally and in Brazil, substantial gaps remain. Research Implications: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of wildlife laundering and IWT-linked money laundering, providing an evidence base for decision-makers and stakeholders, especially those involved in improving the Brazilian regulatory framework on this topic. Originality/Value: This work compiles the various concepts of wildlife laundering found in the scientific literature into a comprehensive, detailed definition. It is the first peer-reviewed article to review publications on money laundering associated with IWT and also the first to address these topics in the Brazilian context.