The RRAU uses clandestine business documents confiscated from organizations believed to be laundering money to trace the history of illicit activities. These documents reveal valuable information about the amount of money laundered and how the suspects package, transport, disguise, and hide funds. Information obtained by the RRAU can help prosecutors get stiffer sentences for individuals found guilty of money laundering. Individuals who launder money use various techniques to avoid detection by law enforcement. Criminals frequently hide funds until they can smuggle the money to another destination, and persons involved in drug trafficking often keep partial or informal records to thwart law enforcement efforts. Money laundering organizations also produce fraudulent documents, such as sales receipts, to conceal the true origin of cash. Forensic techniques can be used to identify characteristics unique to money laundering organizations, and the RRAU can assist law enforcement at all levels with money laundering cases. Guidelines for handling and submitting evidence are presented. 2 endnotes