Uncovering the Shadows: Inside a Global Money Laundering Scheme

Selam Gebrekidan and Joy Dong of The New York Times explore the intricacies of money laundering linked to scamming operations in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Their comprehensive investigation reveals firsthand accounts from scammers and launderers, aiming to demystify the complex operations behind this illegal trade.

For months, Selam Gebrekidan, an investigative reporter from The New York Times, immersed herself in a comprehensive study of a vast money laundering network that operates on a global scale. Working from her apartment in Hong Kong, she meticulously mapped out the labyrinthine details of these criminal operations, frequently relying on visual diagrams to conceptualize their complexity.

This week, Gebrekidan, alongside researcher Joy Dong, released an in-depth article shedding light on the mechanisms of how scammers manage to launder money undetected. Their investigation, which centers on illicit activities in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, offers readers a riveting look into the underworld.

“Understanding our subject’s intricacies was the first step in making the story accessible to our audience,” Gebrekidan stated about the complexities of the investigation. The journalists spoke directly with various individuals involved in the scam and laundering processes, effectively illuminating the steps taken to obfuscate illicit funds.

In a recent video chat from Hong Kong, the reporters shared insights into their motivations for the investigation. “Our curiosity was piqued nearly nine months ago,” Gebrekidan revealed. “We had received intelligence about Sihanoukville being a nexus for scam activities, especially in the wake of the pandemic.” Upon her visit, she was taken aback by the sheer number of neglected buildings, with lights illuminating upper floors each night, provoking her wondering, “Who occupies these spaces, and what activities are they engaged in?”

As they navigate through the intricacies of the criminal underbelly, Gebrekidan and Dong seek to expose how these laundering networks function, aiming to inform the public about the dark realities obscuring these financial schemes.