Money Laundering: Comparative Analysis between UIF Peru, UIAF Colombia, and FinCEN USA

Objective - This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the anti-money laundering systems in Peru, Colombia, and the United States, focusing on the functional and regulatory effectiveness of their respective financial intelligence units: UIF (Peru), UIAF (Colombia), and FinCEN (USA). Methodology/Technique - The methodology applied a mixed-methods design, integrating qualitative content analysis and quantitative indicator evaluation through an operational matrix, based on the study of six emblematic judicial cases selected by intentional sampling. Findings - The results reveal substantial differences in regulatory frameworks, technological capacity, and institutional responses. While Colombia and the United States demonstrate more robust operational systems and technological adaptation, Peru shows significant limitations in institutional autonomy and inter-agency coordination. Moreover, although the United States has advanced legal instruments, the absence of proportional criminal sanctions in high-profile cases highlights enforcement challenges. Novelty - The study concludes that effective anti-money laundering strategies depend not only on the existence of regulatory frameworks but also on institutional independence, technological investment, and coordinated efforts. The findings offer relevant insights for strengthening global financial crime prevention systems through enhanced governance and international cooperation. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Money laundering; financial intelligence; economic crime prevention; international cooperation; financial regulation. JEL Classification: K42; F36; G28; H26; O38 URI: http://gatrenterprise.com/GATRJournals/AFR/vol10.2_3.html DOI: https://doi.org/10.35609/afr.2025.10.2(3)