During my career in Customer Services and AML/CFT Compliance, I’ve come across some truly eye-opening books and shows.

Here’s my personal list of favourites — recommendations for any current or future compliance professional to add to their watch or reading list.

For me, understanding global financial crime isn’t optional. It’s essential. These three books and three shows or films offer a clear window into the red flags we face every day in this industry.

Book 1: Illicit – Moises Naim

This book dives into how smugglers, traffickers, and copycats are hijacking the global economy. Every chapter shifted the way I think about international crime.

From street-level smuggling to high-end finance, it explores how seamlessly these illegal flows integrate into people’s lives. It covers everything from counterfeit goods to human trafficking — and drew connections I hadn’t seen before.

Key takeaway: It expanded my understanding of trade-based money laundering and supply chain manipulation. A must-read for anyone dealing with cross-border clients.

Book 2: The Lazarus Heist – Geoff White

This is where true crime meets elite cyber warfare. From North Korea to Hollywood, it covers everything from the Sony hack to the Bangladesh Bank breach.

The lines between cybercrime and geopolitics blur fast — and you’ll see just how entangled hacking, SWIFT fraud, and sanctions violations have become.

Key takeaway: Packed with insights into geopolitical risk, sanctions exposure, and cybercrime. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Book 3: Narconomics – Tom Wainwright

Think of this as an economist’s take on the drug trade. Forget Hollywood stereotypes — this book breaks down cartels like Fortune 500 companies.

It covers vertical integration, franchising, supply chains, and even HR.

Key takeaway: Brilliant for understanding how organised crime launders money like a legitimate business. Ideal for professionals and trainers alike.

Honourable Mentions – Books

Rinsed – Geoff White
A deep dive into real-world money laundering mechanics. Great for challenging how you apply your risk-based approach.

The Laundromat – Jake Bernstein
Explores shell companies and the offshore system abuse that enables global corruption.

Billion Dollar Whale – Bradley Hope and Tom Wright
The infamous 1MDB fraud laid bare. Great for spotting red flags in complex structures and high-risk clients.

On Screen Picks

Sometimes the best learning happens when you’re just trying to relax. These shows will keep your brain working, even if your feet are up.

Show 1: Ozark – Series

One of my all-time favourites. It’s a masterclass in normalising crime — how everyday people get drawn into laundering money using cash businesses, shell companies, and trade routes.

Key takeaway: Seeing visualised laundering tactics — complicit professionals, front businesses, and unexplained wealth — brings red flags to life.

Show 2: Dirty Money – Documentary

At times jaw-dropping, this series shows how legal grey areas are exploited by banks, payday lenders, and even government officials. It ranges from diesel fraud to illegal mining.

Key takeaway: Made me rethink how to identify business activities using regulatory blind spots. A sharp reminder that ethics matter.

Show 3: The Infiltrator – Film

Based on the true story of a US customs officer who infiltrated Pablo Escobar’s laundering network using fake accounts and shell companies. The film brings the story to life with a strong cast and plenty of real-world lessons.

Key takeaway: Criminals use realistic tactics to bypass CDD and even enhanced due diligence. Banks can easily become part of the laundering engine.

Honourable Mentions – Shows

McMafia – A great example of how organised crime corrupts seemingly innocent people and how capital moves across borders undetected.

Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul – A cautionary tale of how small compromises lead to full-blown laundering, wrapped in brilliant storytelling.

Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street – A must-watch to understand Ponzi schemes and how easily fraud can go undetected for years.