AUSTRAC Has Published a New Guidance For Detecting “Cuckoo Smurfing”

AUSTRAC’s guidance offers indicators for financial institutions, to allow them to detect suspicious transactions related to “Cuckoo Smurfing” 

A new financial crime guide published by AUSTRAC helps financial institutions in detecting, identifying, and reporting suspicious transactions related to a money-laundering scheme known as cuckoo smurfing. 

Cuckoo smurfing is a money-laundering tactic through which illicit funds are made to appear legitimate. 

This technique depends on the exploitation of customer accounts in banks. Funds from overseas that are due in a customer’s bank account are diverted into the criminal’s account, while illegitimate funds are deposited in the account of the customer to cover the situation. 

The new financial crime guide has been developed by Fintel Alliance to provide specific indicators for the assistance of remittance service providers as well as banking and non-banking financial institutions. 

The following indicators have been pointed out that may suggest cuckoo smurfing: 

1. Multiple cash deposits in amounts under the AUD 10,000 reporting thresholds
2. Multiple cash deposits made on the same day or within a short period
3. Cash deposits made across numerous bank branches and ATMs, including across different states
4. Cash deposits from multiple third parties
5. Cash deposits appearing inconsistent with the expected transaction activity of the account holder
6. The account holder is listed as unemployed, retired or a student

In case a financial institution identifies these indicators, they are required to find the relationship between the account holder and the depositor.

Where possible, financial institutions have also been directed to engage with overseas counterparts for the identification of the source of the funds. 

Additionally, if numerous indicators are observed and suspicion arises, a Suspicious Matter Report (SMR) must be filed to AUSTRAC. 

According to the AUSTRAC CEO, Nicole Rose, 

“We rely on financial businesses to report to AUSTRAC and partner with enforcement to stop these criminal syndicates and protect members of the Australian community,”

Suggested Read: The Definitive Guide to Anti-Money Laundering & Countering of Terrorist Financing