A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Money Laundering and Related Scams: Trends, Influences, and Research Gaps

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends related to money laundering and associated scams, aiming to map the intellectual structure and development of scholarly contributions in this critical area of financial crime. Using data extracted from the Scopus database, a total of 262 relevant publications up to February 12, 2025, were analyzed with the help of VOSviewer software. The analysis identifies the most influential authors, countries, journals, funding agencies, and collaborative networks that have shaped the discourse around money laundering and related frauds. The study uncovers significant growth in academic attention to this domain over the past decade, reflecting rising concerns about illicit financial flows and regulatory loopholes. Despite this increase in scholarly output, substantial research gaps remain—particularly in cross-border comparative studies, enforcement mechanisms, and the integration of digital tools in detection and prevention. This review not only consolidates existing knowledge but also offers a roadmap for future investigations by highlighting underexplored dimensions of the topic. As the first in-depth bibliometric exploration of money laundering literature, this paper provides original and valuable insights for academics, financial regulators, and policy stakeholders. By shedding light on both the concentration and fragmentation in existing research, it serves as a foundational reference for those seeking to understand or address the evolving challenges posed by financial fraud and money laundering practices.