WASHINGTON—Financial institutions—and especially money services businesses (MSBs)—are being urged to heighten scrutiny of cross-border transactions after the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a new advisory warning of efforts by illegal aliens in the United States to move illicitly obtained funds through the financial system.
The Alert—released as part of a broader Treasury initiative to address risks tied to cross-border financial activity—highlights patterns the agency says have emerged over several years as remittance volumes and other international transfers continue to rise. Treasury officials noted that 2025 has already seen multiple federal actions aimed at tightening oversight of cross-border flows and reinforcing anti-money-laundering (AML) safeguards across the sector.
“Money services businesses should be vigilant in identifying suspicious financial activity involving illegal aliens who present significant threats to national security and public safety,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. “At Treasury, we will continue to protect the American people by faithfully upholding the laws of the United States.”
FinCEN said the Alert aligns with Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, and reiterates existing compliance obligations for MSBs. Under federal law, MSBs must file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for any transaction of at least $2,000 when the business knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect the funds may be tied to unlawful activity—including employment violations or other illicit conduct within the United States.
The advisory also stresses that cross-border transfers remain a key vector for moving illegally obtained funds, and that institutions should ensure their monitoring systems are calibrated to detect emerging typologies and red flags related to such activity.
FinCEN’s full alert, including specific indicators and reporting expectations, is available at: https://www.fincen.gov/system/files/FinCEN_Alert_Cross_Border_FINAL508.pdf