Financial Crime World

Spain and France Cooperate with Andorra to Combat Organized Crime

Andorra, a small principality nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France, is strengthening its cooperation protocols with both countries to combat organized crime.

Collaboration with Spain

According to sources, Andorra’s Criminal Police International Cooperation Department has been working closely with Spain’s national police force to share intelligence on organized crime cases. This collaboration has led to several successful extraditions of suspects accused of money laundering, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses.

Enhanced Cooperation with France

In addition, Andorra is developing more effective cooperation protocols with France, which has resulted in a significant reduction in illicit cross-border activities such as arms and cigarette trafficking.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

Andorra’s efforts to combat organized crime are also being bolstered by its membership in the European Convention on Extradition, drawn up in 1957 by the Council of Europe. The country’s criminal justice system is also equipped with specialized units focused on tackling organized crime, including a new unit established in response to the BPA scandal.

While Andorra’s legal framework for organized crime appears sufficient due to its low criminality rate, efforts are being made to improve the enforcement and implementation of preventive and suppressive measures. The country’s only prison meets international standards, providing adequate health services and satisfying the basic needs of its prisoners.

Financial Intelligence Unit

Andorra is also working to strengthen its financial intelligence unit, which is dedicated to combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The country has eased its bank-secrecy laws in response to external pressures following a 2015 scandal, and now complies with international standards on economic regulation.

Prevention Strategies

The Andorran government is also prioritizing prevention strategies aimed at tackling organized crime, including:

  • Drug use prevention
  • Social orientation programs
  • Mental health center services
  • Police force departments focused on addiction treatments and prevention of robbery, child abuse, and cybercrime

Media Freedom and Challenges

Andorran journalists are free to report on news related to organized crime without fear of prosecution or retaliation, but may face challenges due to conflicts of interest between political, business, and religious interests. Despite these challenges, the country’s media outlets remain committed to reporting on the activities of banks in Andorra, which is a major problem for journalists.

Future Prospects

The development of more effective cooperation protocols with Spain and France is expected to further strengthen Andorra’s efforts to combat organized crime and protect its citizens from the threats posed by criminal networks.