The COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to human suffering and economic hardship, but it has also spawned a range of COVID-19-related crimes which are creating new sources of income for criminal networks. In May 2020, the FATF/GAFI already highlighted the COVID-19-related money laundering and terrorist financing risks and policy responses.

In December 2020, the FATF/GAFI published an updated report highlighting the latest developments. The update details how the risks have evolved as the pandemic has progressed and how criminals continue to exploit the crisis. Finally, case studies illustrate how authorities have dealt with such criminals.