Forensic auditing as a tool for preventing money laundering in mining SMEs in the province of El Oro

Abstract

Introduction. Money laundering threatens the financial stability of mining SMEs in El Oro, aggravated by weaknesses in internal control and limited application of prevention mechanisms. Objective. To analyze the perception held by administrative and accounting representatives of mining SMEs regarding the applicability and perceived utility of forensic auditing as a complementary tool for money laundering prevention in the province of El Oro. Methodology. Quantitative approach, non-experimental design, exploratory scope. A pilot study was conducted with 17 mining SMEs selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, from a universe of 665 mining SMEs registered with the Superintendence of Companies, Securities, and Insurance of Ecuador. A structured survey was applied, and data was processed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and Cronbach's Alpha. Results. 70.6 % of respondents favorably perceive the usefulness of forensic auditing, and 82.3 % recognize its capacity to detect suspicious transactions. Pearson's correlation (r = 0.770; p = 0.000) evidenced a statistically significant association between both variables within the framework of this pilot study. However, limitations were identified in training (47.0 % unfavorable perception) and the absence of formal procedures for reporting unusual operations. Conclusions. Forensic auditing is valued as a preventive tool, but barriers in training and resources persist, limiting its effective implementation. Due to its preliminary nature, the findings are not generalizable and require validation with larger samples. It is recommended to strengthen training programs and regulatory compliance policies in the mining sector. General study area: Economic and Administrative Sciences. Specific study area: Finance / Anti-Money Laundering. Article type: Original article.