" I think money laundering is giving oxygen to organized crime. "
- Enrique Pena Nieto

The quote suggests that money laundering fuels and sustains organized crime activities much like oxygen supports life. In practical terms, it means that when criminals can launder money effectively, they gain the resources necessary to perpetuate their criminal operations.

Delving deeper into this statement reveals its broader implications for law enforcement and society at large. Money laundering not only provides financial backing for illegal enterprises but also helps these organizations evade detection by authorities and corrupt legal systems, making them more powerful and entrenched. This process can lead to increased violence, corruption, and social instability. The quote emphasizes the urgent need for stringent measures against money laundering to weaken organized crime's infrastructure and curtail its influence over communities.

Enrique Peña Nieto is a former president of Mexico who served from 2012 to 2018. As head of state, he was instrumental in addressing issues such as drug trafficking and organized crime within his country. His statement reflects the gravity with which these challenges were perceived during his tenure and continues to resonate due to the ongoing impact of money laundering on criminal activities globally.