The Economist reports that the National Crime Agency believes international money rinsed through British banks each year is “many hundreds of billions of pounds”.

“The case for action is stronger (than for laissez faire). Predictions of severe economic damage from a crackdown are overdone. Russians and Ukrainians hold only 0.2% of total British assets owned by foreigners. Targeting iffy Russian money would reinforce Britain’s efforts to embarrass Vladimir Putin’s intelligence agencies (see article). Providing financial refuge for bent elites fuels corruption in other countries.”

Image: map from Corporation of London website