The launch event for the book 'How to Launder Money' took place at the luxury Raffles hotel on Whitehall, attracting notable figures from the Reform UK party, including co-author George Cottrell, who has a controversial background. Cottrell, a close aide to Nigel Farage, was convicted in 2017 in the US for wire fraud and served several months in prison. At the event, he reassured attendees that the book does not provide guidance for criminals, responding to the provocative title with a touch of humor regarding his previous experiences with law enforcement.

The book, which is subtitled 'A Guide for Law Enforcement, Prosecutors and Policymakers,' aims to shed light on money laundering and presents itself as a resource for authorities rather than a manual for illicit activities. Despite the contentious title, the book launch was marked by a celebratory atmosphere, with many prominent members of Reform UK in attendance. Nigel Farage, the party's leader, opted to let the focus remain on Cottrell during the event, indicating a shift in the spotlight within the party dynamics.

The publication, overseen by Biteback Media and linked to Lord Ashcroft, signals a controversial attempt to address important issues surrounding financial crime in a manner that engages not only law enforcement but also policymakers. The gathering of notable political figures around a co-author with a criminal background raises questions about the moral implications and the motivations behind presenting such a topic, thus inviting broader discussions on political accountability and public perception of reform initiatives.