Gibraltar’s Money Laundering Investigation Unit: Seizing Millions from Organized Crime’s Grasp

Since the establishment of the Money Laundering Investigation Unit (MLIU) in Gibraltar’s Royal Police Force in 2016, this understated department has garnered media attention for confiscating luxury assets worth millions from organized crime. With a focus on money laundering and economic crimes, the MLIU, headed by Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Tunbridge, has been pivotal in recovering ill-gotten gains and hindering criminal enterprises.

Leading the Charge Against Organized Crime

DCI Tunbridge, a veteran police officer with 23 years of experience, and his team at the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), collaborate extensively with the Fraud Squad. Together, they have seized luxury yachts, apartments, watches, and over £2 million in cash. For DCI Tunbridge, leading the ECU is “rewarding, interesting, and reassuring to be tackling organized crime at its core.”

The Challenge of Combating Financial Crimes

Addressing financial crimes isn’t an easy feat. In DCI Tunbridge’s words, “Money laundering will occur wherever there’s criminal activity.” Gibraltar, located between Morocco and Spain, has identified foreign organized crime gangs laundering their proceeds of illicit activities in Gibraltar as a top money laundering risk.

Intelligence and Collaboration

The MLIU team, consisting of an inspector, two detective sergeants, six detective constables, two retired police officers, one civilian administration officer, and two accountants, relies on intelligence from various sources. Reports from financial businesses, including banks, online gaming companies, and high-value goods traders, are passed to them by the Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU), as well as intelligence from local and international law enforcement agencies.

Notable Investigations

One significant case involved a local drug dealer arrested for a small quantity of cocaine in 2017. Upon closer examination, the ECU team discovered that the dealer had around £100,000 in the bank. After a trial, he was convicted of drug-related offenses, prompting an investigation into the confiscation of his money from the previous six years. “From just a few hundred pounds’ worth of cocaine, we were able to conduct a confiscation investigation and seize all this money in the bank,” DCI Tunbridge shares.

Complex and Multifaceted Investigations

The ECU’s work is intricate and all-encompassing. “An ECU detective requires readiness and willingness to remain dedicated and persevere for a considerable period on a single case,” DCI Tunbridge emphasizes. The team scrutinizes large volumes of data from phones, computers, banks, and paper documents, putting in countless hours to examine the evidence.

Cooperation with International Law Enforcement Agencies

The partnership with international law enforcement agencies is crucial for the MLIU’s mission to target money laundering. DCI Tunbridge acknowledges the importance of this collaboration, admitting that “It’s a significant aspect of what we do in terms of combating money laundering,” and sharing that they maintain a close working relationship with Spain’s law enforcement counterparts.

Post-Brexit Challenges

Gibraltar’s departure from the European Union has introduced complications to cross-border cooperation and evidence collection. DCI Tunbridge admits that “yes, it has become more challenging,” and stresses the necessity for increased investment in the unit and an expansion of expertise, including legal counsel, data analysts, and accountants. “We will continue to counter organized crime where it causes the most damage - by seizing their money and assets.”