The Global Epic center Of Illicit Financial Flows

China is the runaway leader in illicit financial flows, with over $2 trillion in illegal money moving in and out of China between 2000 and 2009, according to a new report from Global Financial Integrity.

GFI defines illicit financial flows as "the cross-border movement of money that is illegally earned, transferred, or utilized."

Illicit financial flows between developing countries in 2009 was between $775 and $903 billion -- less than 2008 thanks to the economic crisis.

GFI cites trade mispricing as the major conduit for transferring illegal money in China.

However, Africa is the fastest growing center of illicit flows. And, oil exporting countries are pulling in a larger share of the illicit capital than before too.

Illicit financial activity is usually closely tied with corruption, illegal goods, crime, and tax evasion.

GFI publishes the report to hopefully push for greater transparency in the international financial system, stronger governance in developing countries, and better economic policies.

Here is the list of the top 20 countries' cumulative illicit flows over 2000-2009:

    China  ($2.5 trillion)
    Mexico  ($453 billion)
    Russia  ($427 billion)
    Saudi Arabia  ($366 billion)
    Malaysia  ($338 billion)
    Kuwait  ($269 billion)
    United Arab Emirates  ($262 billion)
    Venezuela  ($171 billion)
    Qatar  ($170 billion)
    Poland  ($160 billion)
    Nigeria  ($158 billion)
    Kazakhstan  ($123 billion)
    Philippines  ($121 billion)
    Indonesia  ($119 billion)
    India  ($104 billion)
    Ukraine  ($92 billion)
    Chile  ($84 billion)
    Argentina  ($83 billion)
    Iran  ($66 billion)
    Egypt  ($60 billion)