Which term describes the final phase of money laundering where illicit funds are integrated into the legitimate economy?

The term that best describes the final phase of money laundering, where illicit funds are merged into the legitimate economy, is integration. This phase follows the initial placement and the subsequent layering stages. In integration, the money that has been disguised through previous transactions is reintroduced into the economy, often appearing as legitimate earnings. Criminals utilize various methods, such as investments, purchasing assets, or creating seemingly legal business operations, to obscure the origins of the funds.

Understanding integration is crucial as it reveals the successful culmination of the money laundering process, allowing the launderers to enjoy the proceeds of their crimes without drawing attention to their illicit origins. Recognizing this stage helps law enforcement and financial institutions identify patterns and flags that indicate suspicious activity, aiming to prevent the consolidation of criminal gains within the legitimate financial system.