According to global financial integrity, it is estimated that the amount of cash generated in the criminal economy each year is in the range of 1.6 to $2.2 trillion based on a 2017 report. To prevent the bad guys from taking over and to protect the legitimate economy, countries and institutions have recognized the need to get tough on financial crime. In most countries, the law criminalizes the offense of money laundering. The offense is committed not just by the owners of dirty money, but also by anyone who enables money laundering. This covers professional services firms, including banks, stockbrokers, insurers, accounting and legal practices, estate agents, and their employees. It also covers unwitting persons who may have been duped by the bad guys. For example, a mule who's often an unwitting accomplice to money laundering. Unfortunately, for them, ignorance is usually no defense against a charge of money laundering. Punishments provided by anti-money laundering laws are intentionally severe. A bank found liable for enabling money laundering faces, forfeiture of profit or fees earned from the transactions and public reprimand, or even being barred from doing business. Individuals face punishments that can include jail time. In addition to the potential penalties a financial services firm faces for enabling money laundering, there is also the risk of reputation damage and loss of business to think about.