What term describes the practice of structuring transactions to avoid reporting thresholds?

The practice of structuring transactions to avoid reporting thresholds is accurately described by the term "smurfing." Smurfing involves breaking up large amounts of illicit cash into smaller, less suspicious amounts that fall below regulatory reporting limits. This is done to evade detection by financial institutions and regulatory authorities. By using multiple transactions, often conducted by several people (or "smurfs"), criminals aim to obscure the origins of the funds and make the money appear legitimate.

In the context of money laundering, smurfing is a crucial early step, often associated with the placement stage, where illicit funds are introduced into the financial system in small, manageable amounts to minimize suspicion. The technique allows criminals to avoid triggering mandatory reporting requirements that would occur if a large sum of money were deposited all at once. As a result, this tactic is a key strategy employed in laundering processes to facilitate the movement of funds without raising red flags.