UPSC Mains 2021 GS3 Q9 — Money laundering
Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- DiscussElaborate
- Scope keywords
- emerging technologiesglobalisationmoney launderingnationalinternational levels
- Implicit sub-parts
- The role of decentralization and anonymity (crypto/darknet) in bypassing traditional banking nodes.
- The role of financial integration and offshore tax havens in facilitating illicit capital flight.
- Institutional and legislative frameworks at the Indian level.
- Multilateral cooperation and standard-setting bodies at the global level.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time defining money laundering instead of focusing on the 'how' of technology and globalization.
- Ignoring the role of shell companies and professional money launderers in the context of globalization.
- Failing to mention specific entities like FATF or the PMLA Act, making the answer too theoretical.
- Omitting the link between money laundering and organized crime/terror funding.
- Dimensions required
- TechnologicalLegal/LegislativeGeopoliticalInstitutionalEconomic
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40-50 words to the nexus of tech (crypto/AI) and globalization (shell companies). Dedicate 80 words to a balanced split between national measures (PMLA, FIU-IND) and international measures (FATF, UN Convention). Use the final 20 words for a forward-looking conclusion.
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