Identifying money laundering risk indicators: Evidence from Bulgaria

The study of the fight against money laundering in Bulgaria takes on a heightened significance due to the country's unique geopolitical and economic context. As a member of the European Union and a key regional player, Bulgaria assumes a pivotal role in preventing cross-border crimes, including money laundering. The present study aims to analyze how modern technologies can bolster this crucial role, facilitating monitoring and analysis processes to enhance the effectiveness of audit and tax inspections in the country. The research applied practical methods involving digital tools and technological solutions such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These tools were used to identify risk patterns and anomalies in transaction data, demonstrating their real-world application and effectiveness. They enable fast and accurate analysis of large volumes of data, which is particularly important in the context of sophisticated money laundering schemes. The results of the study underscore the potential benefits of technological innovation in the field of financial audits. With the aid of digital technologies, supervisory authorities in Bulgaria stand to significantly enhance their ability to detect financial abuses, including money laundering and tax evasion. In conclusion, the study reiterates the pressing need for further integration of modern technological solutions in the practices of audit and tax services in Bulgaria. This integration is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of control mechanisms and the country's ability to respond to current and future challenges in the fight against crimes in the financial sphere, underscoring the urgency of this matter.