Is Monero money laundering?

Could you please clarify something for me? I've heard some rumors that Monero is often associated with money laundering. Is there any truth to this? Is Monero inherently linked to illegal financial activities, or is it just a coin that's sometimes misused for such purposes? I'm trying to understand the nuances of this matter and appreciate your insights. Could you elaborate on the potential risks and benefits of using Monero, especially in the context of financial regulations and transparency? Thank you for your time and expertise.