Which stage of money laundering involves mingling illegal funds with legitimate ones?

The stage of money laundering that involves mingling illegal funds with legitimate ones is characterized by the act of blending illicit money with legal income to obscure its origins. This process is crucial as it makes it more difficult for authorities to trace the money back to its illegal source. By combining dirty money with clean funds, money launderers aim to create the illusion that the illegal proceeds are derived from legitimate activities, thereby facilitating the eventual withdrawal and use of these funds without raising suspicion.

In the context of money laundering, this stage is often referred to as "integration," where the criminal proceeds are integrated into the financial system and appear to be legitimate. Successfully commingling the funds allows the launderer to better utilize the money without drawing attention to its illicit nature, helping them enjoy the proceeds of their criminal activities while minimizing the risk of detection.