The UK National Crime Agency stated on the 8th that over £100 billion (over RM547.762 billion) in criminal funds are laundered through the UK each year, severely eroding the country's financial order and credibility.
On the same day, the UK government released its 2025 anti-corruption strategy, focusing on two main targets: “insider corruption” and the flow of illicit funds, introducing over a hundred cross-departmental initiatives.
The released strategy clearly states that enforcement and regulation will be significantly strengthened in tandem. In terms of funding, the London Metropolitan Police will receive an additional £15 million for dedicated investigations in bribery and money laundering networks and for local law enforcement support; annual funding raised through the economic crime levy will reach £235 million, including £110 million in newly added funds, to provide sustained financial support for crackdown efforts.
Targeting key links in the corruption chain, the UK will focus on addressing “professional facilitators” who assist illicit funds flow, such as lawyers, accountants, and bankers, expanding the scope of applicable sanctions and improving the law enforcement coordination efficiency of the National Crime Agency; at the same time, the integrity system of the public sector will be enhanced. Strict vetting will be implemented for police, prison, and border enforcement personnel. Starting next year, newly recruited border force personnel must declare any past convictions, and those with criminal records will be barred from employment to prevent criminal group infiltration.
On the institutional level, the UK plans to reform its anti-money laundering regulatory system by integrating resources for unified oversight, as well as optimizing reporting channels and exploring the introduction of economic incentives to encourage individuals to expose financial misconduct.
Data show that, in addition to the hundred-billion-pound money laundering industry, 117,000 companies in the UK faced bribery solicitations in the past year, involving over £300 million. UK Deputy Prime Minister Lammy stated that corruption drains national resources and fuels conflict, and that the UK will play an international leading role and work with partners to plug corruption loopholes.