Money laundering is something some criminals do to the money they make from crime . Unlike certain other jurisdictions ( notably the USA and much of Europe ) , UK money laundering offences are not limited to the proceeds of serious crimes , nor are there any monetary limits , nor is there any necessity for there to be a money laundering design or purpose to an action for it to amount to a money laundering offence . A money laundering offence under UK legislation need not involve money , since the money laundering legislation covers assets of any description .