Until recently, educational institutes – in the UK at least – have not been subject to the same scrutiny for money laundering as other profitable sectors. However, numerous money laundering cases have revealed that paying for the education of children of corrupt PEPs is a regular bribery method. Significant reputational damage has also resulted to universities that have accepted donations from high-risk individuals.

According to the latest UK Independent Schools Council census, more than 55,000 pupils at its members schools come from overseas, including more than 2300 Russians, 1400 Nigerians and almost 550 from Central Asia. Whilst the majority of parents are choosing UK schools from legitimate sources of wealth, there is a risk that this is not always the case.

Similarly, an investigation by The Times earlier this year found that at least 49 universities had allowed students from countries considered to be at high risk of money laundering to pay £52 million of fees in cash over a five year period.