# Connecting the Dots: How financial intelligence units expose corrupt money flows and how they could do more URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/connecting-the-dots Type: Publication or report Published: 2026-06-24 Updated: 2026-09-01 --- 24 June 2026 Corrupt money rarely moves in plain sight. It is often hidden behind complex transactions, shell companies and intermediaries, then moved quickly across borders. Yet because corrupt actors ultimately depend on the financial system, their money can leave traces. Financial intelligence units (FIUs), which sit at the centre of countries' anti-money laundering frameworks, are uniquely placed to follow those traces, connect fragmented information and identify corruption that is otherwise difficult to detect. This report examines how FIUs function in practice in relation to corruption and corruption-related money laundering by looking at 20 FIUs across a broad range of countries, identifying operational challenges as well as policy, legal and resourcing gaps that affect their core work. The findings show that when FIUs work well, they help expose major corruption schemes, trigger investigations and recover stolen public funds. But this ability depends on fragile conditions, is uneven across countries, and is often under pressure. The report sets out recommendations for governments, FIUs, international bodies and standard setters to strengthen FIUs’ access to information and preventive powers, make financial intelligence more operational and actionable, improve cooperation and accountability, and protect FIUs from political and institutional pressure. See also: - Feature article: [Financial intelligence units: Powerful tools against corruption if governments let them work](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/financial-intelligence-units-powerful-tools-against-corruption) ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Strengthening Public Oversight: Good practices for partnerships between civil society and supreme audit institutions](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/strengthening-public-oversight-good-practices-for-partnerships-between-civil-society-and-supreme-audit-institutions) Publication • 29 May 2026 Stronger collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions and Civil Society Organisations is needed for better public financial oversight. ## Priorities - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) ## Countries - [Brazil](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/brazil) - [Canada](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/canada) - [Chile](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/chile) - [China](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/china) - [Colombia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/colombia) - [Cyprus](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/cyprus) - [France](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/france) - [Germany](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/germany) - [Indonesia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/indonesia) - [Ireland](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/ireland) - [Italy](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/italy) - [Mexico](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/mexico) - [Netherlands](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/netherlands) - [Nigeria](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/nigeria) - [Panama](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/panama) - [Singapore](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/singapore) - [South Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/south-africa) - [United Kingdom](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/united-kingdom) - [United States](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/united-states) - [United Arab Emirates](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/united-arab-emirates) ## Regions - [Global](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/global) ## Projects - [Anti-corruption for the many, not for the few (AC4ALL)](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/anti-corruption-for-the-many-not-for-the-few-ac4all) ![cover image of report](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Cover-reporting-the-dots_2026-06-24-150031_mljl.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Report_Connecting-The-Dots-English_2026.pdf)