Money Laundering and Criminology: An Analysis from the Social Reaction Paradigm

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the criminalization of money laundering from the criminological perspective of Social Reaction Theory. To this end, it revisits the epistemological development of Criminology, beginning with the deconstruction of its etiological paradigm—particularly within Classical Criminology and Positivist Criminology—and progressing toward the Social Reaction paradigm, grounded in the contributions of the Labeling Approach. With specific regard to money laundering, the study highlights the role of the Financial Activities Control Council (COAF), an institution of paramount importance in the selection of conduct to be referred to criminal enforcement authorities, including the police, the Public Prosecution Service, and the Judiciary.