Dutch Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-the Netherlands)

The Netherlands Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-the Netherlands) is a crucial component of the Dutch financial system, dedicated to the prevention and combat of financial crimes.

Mission

Fortify the Dutch financial system and safeguard its integrity
Identify and neutralize money laundering, predicate offenses, and terrorism financing
Gather and analyze financial intelligence to uncover emerging trends
Share information with local and international partners

Process

Entities bound by the Wwft, including:

Art dealers
Banks
Payment service providers

are required to:

Monitor services for suspicious transactions
Report suspicious transactions to FIU-the Netherlands

FIU-the Netherlands:

Determines whether transactions warrant further investigation
Shares findings with relevant law enforcement, intelligence, and security agencies

Importance

The Netherlands’ globally-oriented financial system:

Attractive for law-abiding citizens and companies
Attractive for criminals

Financial crimes, such as:

Drugs and arms trafficking
Human exploitation
Environmental crimes

put societal values and trust in the financial system at risk.

Some estimates suggest billions of euros in illicit funds flow through the financial system annually.

International Cooperation & Legislation

The Netherlands collaborates with over 165 countries to implement similar systems and maintain a united front in the fight against crime.

Governed by the Dutch Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft), FIU-the Netherlands:

Operates autonomously within the Netherlands Police
Maintains a direct political line to the Minister of Justice and Security

The Wwft harmonizes international laws and regulations.