INTERNATIONAL DRUG ENFORCEMENT CENTRE
Europol Operation: 20 Suspected Money Launderers and Drug Traffickers Arrested in Major
Europol has arrested 20 individuals suspected of money laundering and drug trafficking. The operation was carried out in several European countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.
The operation, which began in 2019, was the result of an investigation by Europol’s European Financial and Economic Crime Centre (EFECC) into a criminal network involved in money laundering and drug trafficking. The investigation uncovered a complex money laundering scheme, involving the use of front companies and cryptocurrency exchanges to launder illicit funds.
Source Europol and Guardia Civil
Charges and Europol's Response
The suspects, who are believed to have laundered millions of euros, were arrested in a coordinated operation involving law enforcement agencies from across Europe. The operation also involved the seizure of luxury vehicles, jewellery, and cash, with a total value of over €8 million.
The suspects are facing charges of money laundering, drug trafficking, and membership of a criminal organization. Europol has described the operation as a significant success in the fight against organized crime in Europe.
Importance of International Cooperation
Europol Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the operation, stating that “this successful operation demonstrates that by working together, we can dismantle criminal networks and bring those responsible to justice.”
The operation highlights the growing use of cryptocurrencies in money laundering schemes, with Europol warning that criminal organizations are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies as a means of laundering illicit funds.
In response, Europol is stepping up its efforts to combat the use of cryptocurrencies in criminal activity. The agency recently launched a new cryptocurrency analysis system, which enables law enforcement agencies to track and trace illicit cryptocurrency transactions.
The operation is a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in the fight against organized crime. By working together, law enforcement agencies can disrupt criminal networks and bring those responsible to justice.
source: Europol
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