Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Pathology of Iran's Anti-Money Laundering Law in terms of the criminal justice system's approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hamidreza Mohammadi 1
Davod Eslaami 2
1 University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
2 law department, faculty of humanities, university of Zanjan
10.22034/jclc.2026.2066791.1234
Abstract
Anti-money laundering laws play an important role in legal systems regarding the illegal circulation of assets and the prevention of the integration of these assets into the formal economy. In the Iranian legal system, despite the enactment of Anti-Money Laundering Law in 2007 and the second amendment in 2018 alongside other norm-generating legal sources, notable deficiencies and procedural shortcomings continue to undermine its practical effectiveness. This article examines the legislative structure of the Iranian legal system’s approach in the anti-money laundering framework through a critical analysis approach particularly about how the Iranian criminal justice system responds to money laundering crimes and over-criminalized behaviors without sufficient attention to the mental element(mens rea). The analysis is conducted from a legislative perspective and identifies several structural deficiencies, including the absence of precise and comprehensive definitions of notable concepts like money laundering and proceeds of crime and the over-expansion of criminalization through broadly framed provisions and inattention to the fundamental principles of criminal law especially the principle of legality of crime and punishment and the presumption of innocence. In addition, lack of clarity regarding jurisdiction and some important concepts about organized forms of money laundering and the law’s response to legal persons have caused conflicting interpretations and divergent judicial treatment and judicial decisions. The article also highlights the challenges posed by the unconditional classification of money laundering as an economic crime under the 2014 amendment to the Islamic Penal Code, regardless of the classification of the predicate crime and the lack of proportionality in punishment. Consequently, this article proposes several legal reforms aimed at clarifying structural definitions, ensuring proportionality in punishment, harmonizing domestic regulations with international obligations, and strengthening procedural coherence. By aligning anti-money laundering legislation with constitutional principles and international standards, the effectiveness of criminal law can be enhanced without compromising individual freedoms.
Keywords
money laundering
economic crimes
pathology of anti-money laundering law
economic crime

Subjects

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Research and development in criminal law and criminology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 April 2026