Stephen Flowerday - Augusta University
Students: Fall 2025, unless noted otherwise, sessions will be virtual on Zoom.
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Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 04:30pm - 05:30pm ET
( Register to receive a reminder )
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 04:30pm - 05:30pm ET
Students: this is a hybrid event. You are strongly encouraged to attend in-person. Location: STEW G-52 (Suite 050B)
The Hidden Laundromat at Play: how illicit value moves through online games
Nov 19, 2025
Abstract
Online video games have evolved into vast financial ecosystems where real and virtual value mix at scale. This presentation shows how these spaces serve as efficient laundering channels, converting illicit funds from organized crime, sanctions evasion, terrorist financing, and digital fraud into assets that appear legitimate. Illicit value typically enters via card not present transactions, stolen digital wallets, and scam revenues before it is routed into platform marketplaces. From there, funds convert into tradeable virtual assets such as cosmetics, currencies, loot boxes, and content bundles, which can be divided into thousands of rapid microtransactions. Widely cited estimates place illicit financial flows at 2 to 5 percent of global GDP (roughly $800 billion to $2 trillion a year), while in game spending will reach $74.4 billion in 2025, providing liquidity, speed, and plausible deniability.About the Speaker

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