Money laundering is a financial crime aimed at making illegally obtained money (often referred to as 'dirty money') appear legitimate ('clean'). This is typically done through three stages: placement, layering, and integration. In the placement stage, illicit funds are introduced to the financial system. Next, in layering, the illicit funds are obscured through a series of complex transactions, making it difficult to trace the origins. Finally, in integration, the cleansed money is reintroduced into the economy, allowing the launderer access to the funds without raising suspicion.