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Decisive Action Against Money Laundering Prevents Criminal Offenses
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Law enforcement agencies have taken decisive action against money laundering, preventing assets from being used to fund further criminal activities.
Money laundering is a complex process that can be divided into three stages:
- Stage 1: Introduction of illegal funds - Introducing illegal funds into the legal financial system, often by breaking them up into smaller amounts.
- Stage 2: Movement through multiple countries and transactions - Moving these funds through multiple countries and transactions, using loopholes in legal provisions to obscure their origins.
- Stage 3: Return of illegally acquired funds - The illegally acquired funds are returned to the criminal, often with a legitimate appearance.
Corruption Undermines Public Authorities
Corruption is a significant enabler of organized crime, undermining the functioning of public authorities at all levels. It is essential that law enforcement agencies work together to combat this issue and prevent its spread.
Environmental Crime on the Rise
Environmental crime is the fourth-largest criminal activity in the world, growing at an alarming rate of 5-7% per year. This type of crime requires a coordinated approach from authorities at national and international levels to effectively combat it.
Intellectual Property Crime a Growing Concern
Eurojust has seen a significant increase in intellectual property crimes, including piracy and counterfeiting. These crimes often involve other forms of criminal activity, such as tax fraud and cybercrime.
Collaboration Key to Success
To combat these complex financial crimes, law enforcement agencies must work together across borders. Eurojust’s casework report highlights the importance of:
- Early involvement in investigations
- Effective information exchange
- Common strategies to achieve successful outcomes.
Publications and Resources
For more information on Eurojust’s efforts to combat money laundering and other financial crimes, please refer to our publications:
- The Eurojust Report on Money Laundering
- Environmental Crime: Challenges and Opportunities for Cooperation
- Intellectual Property Crime Project
- Guidelines on How to Prosecute Investment Fraud
Stay Up-Date with the Latest Press Releases
For the latest news and updates from Eurojust, please visit our press releases page.
About Eurojust
Eurojust is a specialist agency of the European Union that supports national judicial authorities in dealing with cross-border crime. Our mission is to improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies and facilitate the effective prosecution of serious crimes.