We’ve handpicked a selection of standout books our team discovered over the summer—perfect picks to kick off the “back-to-school" season. These compelling reads offer deep insight into the mechanics of financial crimes, the systemic vulnerabilities they exploit, and the far-reaching consequences they leave behind. Whether you’re a compliance professional, investigator, or simply interested in the fascinating and troubling world of financial crime, each book on this list provides thoughtful analysis and real-world narratives that illuminate the challenges we face in fighting financial crime.
Poached is a fascinating first-person journey into the global underworld of wildlife trafficking—an illegal trade that is both ruthless and devastating. With the precision of a journalist and the heart of a conservationist, Rachel Love Nuwer exposes the complex web of poachers, smugglers, corrupt officials, and organised crime networks that drive species to the brink of extinction. What really brings this book to life is the first-person perspective and narrative which brings the stats off the page and creates a thread of suspense not always found in non-fiction books. The author travels to the frontlines—like Southeast Asia’s wet markets and African game reserves—risking her own safety to uncover how animals like pangolins, rhinos, and tigers are exploited, exterminated, and consumed for profit. It's not always a comfortable read but alongside the heart-wrenching details of the individual trafficked animals Nuwer encounters, Poached is also a story of resistance, highlighting the scientists, activists, and rangers fighting to turn the tide.
The War on Dirty Money examines the modern globalism of dirty money and its impact on all aspects of the world today—from fueling urban inequality to providing a mechanism for large-scale corruption. Drawing on their extensive backgrounds in financial crime policy and law enforcement, authors Nicholas Gilmour and Tristram Hicks deliver a sharp, authoritative critique of the fundamental flaws in today’s anti–money laundering system. They argue that, despite colossal investments, pervasive misunderstandings and systemic complacency have produced inefficiencies in how financial crime is tackled. Exploring various elements of the system, from prosecution to asset recovery, the book serves as a call to arms—advocating for a philosophical realignment of our AML approach today.
From the award-winning journalist Patrick Radden Keefe comes a gripping collection that dives deep into the dark side of human behaviour—exploring the shadowy boundary between good and evil, legality and crime, truth and lies. Whether unraveling the tangled world of international arms dealers, profiling wine fraudsters and their lives of luxury, or diving deep into corruption in Guinea’s iron-ore mining sector, Rogues explores the intricate world of crime, power, and exploitation. The book includes tangled financial scandals and dark criminal networks, perfect for anyone fascinated by the underbelly of society. Together, these stories don’t just chronicle crime—they explore the choices and motivations behind them.
In Dead in the Water, award-winning journalists Matthew Campbell and Kit Chellel unravel a gripping tale of maritime fraud and the shadowy corridors of global shipping. Recounting the story of the oil tanker Brillante Virtuoso, which while stalled in the Gulf of Aden in July 2011 suffered an attack by pirates and an explosion that would damage the ship beyond repair, the book delves into a meticulously orchestrated scheme that blurred the lines between piracy and insurance fraud. Through the authors’ chilling expose, which pieces together the timeline of events that may have led to the murder of a maritime surveyor who inspected the ship’s wreckage, questions about the global insurance market and the nebulous world of international shipping are brought to the fore.
Tracers in the Dark delves into the hidden world of cybercriminals who believe they can operate undetected behind a “digital cloak of invisibility.” Andy Greenberg exposes how this illusion of anonymity—fueled by cryptocurrencies and the dark web—has lulled hackers, drug traffickers, and other criminals into a false sense of security. Through gripping storytelling and investigative insight, Greenberg reveals how a new generation of digital detectives—programmers, analysts, and data sleuths—is unraveling these criminal networks by following the online breadcrumbs they leave behind. The book challenges the myth of online anonymity and showcases the growing power of forensic technology in the digital age.
The Prize is a classic for anyone wishing to understand one of the underlying guiding forces of historical and modern geopolitics: oil. This Pulitzer Prize winner is a real epic, providing a sweeping, meticulously researched chronicle of how oil came to shape the world as we know it. Spanning over a century of global history, it blends politics, economics, war, and innovation into a compelling narrative, remarkable in how clearly it connects the dots between oil and so many of the major geopolitical shifts of the last hundred years. It’s a book that reveals how energy — something so many of us take for granted — is intricately tied to power, conflict, and global change. For those looking to understand the energy transition that's shaping our future, it's essential (if not quite beach) reading, explaining not just the past but why the power struggles over oil still define much of our world today.
Some of the Themis team had the pleasure of seeing Monica Feria-Tinta speak, and the passion and clear-headedness she brought to how legal action can be a powerful tool in the fight against environmental crime and degradation was truly inspiring. A barrister who assisted in bringing the landmark petition by Torres Strait Islanders to the UN HRC against Australia, Feria-Tinta draws on her extensive experience to bring her book to life. A Barrister for the Earth explores ten real-life cases that delve into various environmental challenges, highlighting the intersection of environmental justice, financial crime, and legal frameworks. The book offers something we don’t often hear when it comes to the climate crisis: hope - and we could definitely all do with a little more of that.
Diving into Jonathan Marshall’s meticulously researched examination of the global drug trade and Lebanon’s pivotal role in it, one begins to understand how profound the impact of one nation’s political and social landscape can be on the world of transnational crime. Drawing from previously classified US government records and interviews with former narcotic agents,Marshall looks at how Lebanon’s drug industry became deeply intertwined with political elite and militia groups during the 1975-1990 civil war. TheLebanese Connection is a fascinating dive into political patronage, sectarian divisions, and the convergence of illicit economies and political power.
An engrossing exploration of how organised crime has seeped into the very structures of global society, Galeotti blends historical context with modern case studies to illustrate the staggering scale of crime today. Homo Criminalis traces organised crime back to antiquity and relic frauds, underlining how deceit has long been entangled with global systems. From exploring links between UK real estate and money laundering to shadowy cybercriminal networks, the book holds your attention with highly entertaining and fast-paced stories. Galeotti delivers a wake-up call as well: how our everyday global systems need to be better at combating the threats from within.
Laci Mosley’s Scam Goddess is a hilarious collection of essays that blends memoir, scam history, and cultural critique. As the host of the award-winning podcast of the same name, Mosley bring her ability to intertwine wit and storytelling into her examination of the “scammer mindset”—and adds a personal lens from her upbringing in rural Texas to her experiences navigating Hollywood. For readers looking for a lighter read with substance, this is it.
Stay on top of the ever-changing financial crime landscape by accessing the latest information on emerging criminal techniques and the risks associated with carrying out business with particular industries or in particular jurisdictions.
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We’ve handpicked a selection of standout books our team discovered over the summer—perfect picks to kick off the “back-to-school" season. These compelling reads offer deep insight into financial crimes, the systemic vulnerabilities they exploit, and their far-reaching consequences.
AI is fast becoming a high-ROI tool in financial crime and compliance. From cutting costs and boosting efficiency to enhancing resilience, strategic AI investments are helping CFOs do more with less - transforming risk management and unlocking new value across the financial sector.
The UK’s latest National Risk Assessment (NRA) reveals how money laundering and terrorist financing are evolving—and how the UK is fighting back. A vital guide for AML policy, it arms businesses with intelligence to spot risks and stay protected.
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Many clients have heard of the OFAC 50 Percent Rule but aren’t sure how it affects them. It’s far-reaching, with hidden sanctions risks. This post explains the rule, why it demands deeper due diligence, and steps to identify and mitigate those risks.
In June, the EU removed the UAE from its list of high-risk jurisdictions from an AML perspective, signaling growing international confidence in the country’s financial crime oversight.
New updates to the Land Conversion and Financial Crime Risk Assessment link environmental harm to financial crime. Cattle rustling in Nigeria and Cameroon is now red-rated, with added risks on carbon credit fraud, child labour, mining corruption, and gold smuggling.
An overview of modern slavery, distinguishing between human trafficking, smuggling, and forced labor. It highlights the global prevalence of exploitation and the importance of understanding these definitions to combat such crimes.
Dubai’s $160B foreign-owned real estate market faces money laundering risks. The UAE now requires reporting of property deals over AED 55K via REAR. Criminals like Daniel Kinahan have exploited property to hide illicit funds, underscoring the need for strict compliance.
Examines how digital platforms and cryptocurrencies facilitate human trafficking, allowing traffickers to operate anonymously and at scale, posing challenges for law enforcement.
Investigates how sanctions intersect with trade-based financial crimes in Hong Kong, highlighting the complexities businesses face in navigating regulatory compliance.
Financial crimes cause more than economic harm—they hit mental health too. UK data shows 60% of fraud victims face distress; Ghana research links corruption to anxiety and depression. This blog calls for tackling both psychological and financial impacts.
Environmental crime worsens gender inequality, driving violence, trafficking, and hardship for women—especially in regions like the DRC and Peru. Women defenders face abuse, and climate change deepens risks like water scarcity, child marriage, and health threats. Tackling these crimes is key to protecting women’s rights and safety.
AI is transforming financial crime prevention—improving detection, reducing costs, and streamlining compliance. Generative AI and graph networks boost due diligence, while ethical, human-guided use counters criminal misuse. Themis champions tech-human collaboration.
Explores the application of fuzzy logic in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) systems, emphasising its role in improving name-matching accuracy and reducing false positives, thereby enhancing compliance efficiency.
This book focusses on the challenges faced by law enforcement in North West USA and in British Columbia to combat illegal logging, as well as those of the timber-industry communities established since the late 19th century to maintain meaningful and financially viable lives.
The FATF has highlighted the UAE’s progress in fighting financial crime. Its third enhanced follow-up report upgraded three recommendation ratings for the country, marking a step forward in meeting international standards.
Lebanon’s economic collapse, fuelled by debt, corruption, and instability, has led to hyperinflation and greater financial crime risk. In Oct 2024, the FATF grey-listed Lebanon. The country pledges a two-year reform plan to boost transparency and restore investor confidence.
The UK treats profits from legal overseas cannabis businesses as criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Few cases qualify for exceptions, creating a legal grey area—so anyone handling such funds should proceed cautiously and seek legal advice.
The UK’s 2023–2026 Economic Crime Plan commits £400M to tackle money laundering, kleptocracy, and fraud, with reforms to Companies House, crypto, and sanctions. Progress is clear, but critics urge more urgency and funding. Success depends on public-private collaboration.
Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are key to fighting financial crime, with 42% of fraud found via tip-offs. Rising UK SARs and account freezes show their impact. Themis urges strong reporting systems and whistleblower protections to foster transparency.
Corrupt elites still exploit the UK property market via offshore structures and relatives to hide assets. Over 18,000 firms remain non-compliant. With cases of children holding luxury homes, Themis calls for tougher enforcement as new UK and FATF guidance target transparency gaps.
Corruption undermines sustainable development, financial integrity, and DEI. A Themis–Denominator study links lower corruption to higher DEI scores. Marginalised groups, especially women, suffer most. Promoting diversity and transparency is key to fairer societies.
Hindenburg Research accuses India’s Adani Group of fraud, alleging stock manipulation, shell firms, and nepotism—halving Gautam Adani’s net worth and shaking investor confidence. The case highlights how financial crime can roil markets and the need for strong due diligence.
Supply chain failures have linked firms like Inditex and Skechers to forced labour and reputational risk. The EU’s CSDDD will require large companies to address human rights and environmental harms. Themis offers tools to assess suppliers and fight modern slavery.
On World Wildlife Day and CITES’ 50th year, Themis reflects on tackling illegal wildlife trade—the 4th largest financial crime. Laws, AI, forensics, and global cooperation drive change, but shifting demand, like ivory to hippo teeth, shows challenges remain.
Puppy smuggling in the UK has surged post-pandemic, with organised crime exploiting demand and loopholes to import sick or underage dogs. Despite new laws, enforcement gaps remain. Themis urges buyer vigilance—tools like Themis Search can help spot breeder risks
Romance scams rose 30% in 2022, with victims losing £8,234 on average—especially men and those aged 65–74. Scammers use fake profiles and emotional manipulation. Themis urges due diligence in dating; tools like Themis Search can flag risks and help platforms protect users.
Crypto plays roles in both social good and crime—over $50M has aided Ukraine, but bad actors use it to evade sanctions and launder funds, notably via the UAE and Central African Republic. Themis calls for stronger due diligence and compliance to curb misuse.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has heightened trafficking risks for women and children. Over 2.5M flee, with traffickers exploiting chaos, especially in Moldova, Poland, and Italy. The OSCE urges swift action to warn refugees of false offers and protect them.
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