The last decade has perceived illicit financial flows as a growing concern and threat to human progress. The topicality of this research is conditioned by the need for a scientific approach to the phenomenon of illicit financial flows to analyze its complexity (all dimensions and facets). At the same time, it is imperative to evaluate the existing methodologies for quantifying illicit financial flows in order to develop a methodology, which will be relevant for the Republic of Moldova, with the aim to reduce the economic-financial and social risks through their efficient management and to reap the benefits of the recovered financial flows. The purpose of the research carried out consists in the theoretical substantiation of the process of identification and evaluation of illicit financial flows. In order to achieve the proposed goal, the following objectives were proposed: identifying the conceptual-methodological landmarks of the concept of illic