The 'Money laundering through legal practitioners' report from AUSTRAC, the currency movement analysis branch of the Australian government, says that lawyers are frequently used to play a crucial role in handling cash for criminal groups. No statistics are given and the report relies on examples.

Dark transactions

The situation is a 'serious challenge', according to Paul Jevtovic, CEO of the organisation in conversation with Lawyers Weekly. He said: 'Organised crime is a pervasive and extremely damaging concept that's hurting our country in many different ways.' Scenarios outlined in the report show lawyers letting their trust account be used for criminal transactions, chasing after fictitious debts, buying property and setting up corporate vehicles for the transgressors. Source: Lawyers Weekly