As someone who knows the industry, people who dont take insurance and pay in cash always raise red flags.

I'd say the amount of money laundering through travel agencies is minimal compared to other industries.

The main issue is about where the money came from. People need flights and travel arrangements and paying cash for first class and a 5 star hotel and not buying insurance makes little sense unless you have hundreds of thousands stashed under your bed.

The no insurance thing really makes no sense though even if you are hiding your lack of employment and wrongfully earned money. If you need to be airlifted or have an extended stay at a hospital, that 2-10 million max liability number starts to make more sense.

Also the people who smuggle 24k jewelry around probably shouldn't wear +$10,000 in gold everywhere and in the airports. Anyone with a heartbeat is going to have a gut feeling.

I know a particular client who didnt declare $200K cash at customs and had it seized. Didn't even fight it. It is all way over my head.