International legal cooperation in combating corruption and money laundering

Abstract

Corruption and money laundering are transnational phenomena that challenge state sovereignty and demand coordinated global responses. International legal cooperation thus emerges as a key instrument for investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery. This study aimed to analyze the main normative frameworks, mechanisms, and challenges of international cooperation in tackling these crimes, with emphasis on the period from 2015 to 2025. It is a narrative literature review, complemented by integrative elements, conducted in indexed databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, SciELO) and in institutional portals (UNODC, FATF/GAFI, OECD, OAS/MESICIC, and Egmont Group). Normative documents, national legislation, and peer-reviewed articles were included, categorized into six thematic axes: international normative frameworks, cooperation instruments, beneficial ownership transparency, financial intelligence, peer monitoring, and the Brazilian case study. Results show that, despite the existence of multilateral conventions such as UNCAC and UNTOC, and international standards established by FATF and OECD, significant gaps persist, such as delays in mutual legal assistance requests, lack of reliable beneficial ownership registries, and institutional asymmetries among countries. In Brazil, advances such as the creation of COAF, the enactment of Law 12.846/2013, and the role of DRCI highlight greater alignment with international commitments, although structural challenges remain. It is concluded that the effectiveness of cooperation depends on regulatory harmonization, corporate transparency, and the strengthening of national institutions, so as to translate normative commitments into concrete results.