E-commerce business models are exposed to several financial crime risks that are clearly identified in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) regulatory guidance, including publications from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and national supervisory authorities.
One key risk is the use of stolen bank card or payment data to purchase goods or services online. E-commerce platforms are particularly vulnerable to card-not-present fraud, where criminals exploit remote payment channels to generate illicit proceeds.
Another common risk is fraud against customers through non-delivery of goods or services. In these cases, fraudulent merchants accept payments without any intention of fulfilling orders. This form of consumer fraud is recognized as a predicate offense to money laundering under AML frameworks.
Additionally, online marketplaces may be abused to move or disguise criminally obtained funds. Criminals may conduct fake transactions, self-purchases, or repeatedly buy and resell goods to legitimize illicit funds. This activity aligns with recognized typologies such as transaction laundering and trade-based money laundering.
Although export control evasion and bribery and corruption are serious financial crimes, they are not typically considered common or inherent financial crime risks specific to standard e-commerce business models in AML/CFT guidance.
