Money Laundering Offences
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance outlines the different types of money laundering offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and the approach prosecutors should take when handling cases related to these offences. Key aspects include definitions of money laundering, categories of offenders, public interest factors, and the evidential requirements for proving related offences. It also includes specific sections on handling money mules and regulatory offences under the Money Laundering Regulations.
Key points
- Money laundering can involve proceeds from the offender's own crimes or from crimes committed by others.
- Criminal property is defined as property that represents a benefit from criminal conduct.
- Prosecutors should consider public interest factors when deciding to charge a money laundering offence.
- Separate charges for predicate offences and money laundering may require clear rationale for their linkage.
- An offence under section 330 can be charged without proven money laundering occurring.
Public-interest factors
- Deterring professional launderers
- Protecting the integrity of financial institutions
- Depriving criminals of their proceeds
- Ensuring sufficient sentencing power for crimes committed
- Making it difficult for criminals to legitimise gains
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.