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Europe's Financial Crackdown on Organized Crime

· 2 min read
Margaret Chen
Senior Fraud Investigator

A Modern Response to Criminal Threats in Europe​

The European Commission is reinforcing its efforts to combat the rising threat of serious and organized crime infiltrating the EU's licit economy through financial investigations. This approach is an essential part of a modern and effective response to criminal threats, including terrorism financing.

"Financial investigations serve a vital role in safeguarding the European Union against the infiltration of organized criminal networks." - European Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs

Importance of Financial Investigations​

Financial investigations are crucial for the European Union in the following ways:

  • Protecting Citizens: By scrutinizing financial transactions and promoting financial transparency, the EU is better equipped to identify and disrupt criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.
  • Maintaining Rule of Law: Financial investigations enable the EU to enforce laws, prevent financial losses, and uphold the rule of law.
  • Securing Prosperity: Financial investigations ensure that the free movement of capital remains unobstructed while delivering accurate results for budget policy, economic policy, and EU financing.

Targeted Criminal Domains​

Financial investigations cover various criminal domains, including:

  • Economic Policy: Ensuring the accuracy and fairness of financial reporting and tax compliance.
  • Organized Crime: Identifying, investigating, and prosecuting various forms of organized crime, such as money laundering, fraud, and human trafficking.

Benefits of Financial Investigations​

Financial investigations bring several benefits to the European Union:

  • Identifying and Disrupting Criminal Activities: Financial investigations aid in identifying and disrupting criminal activities that could potentially harm the EU economy.
  • Upholding the Rule of Law: Financial investigations demonstrate the EU's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all businesses and individuals comply with financial regulations.
  • Preserving Order and Security: Financial investigations are a powerful tool in the EU's efforts to preserve order and security, protecting the interests of all its citizens.