Financial Crime World

NETHERLANDS CRIMINALS LAUNDER BILLIONS IN CROSS-BORDER FINANCIAL CRIME

Amsterdam - The Netherlands has emerged as a key hub in the global drug trade, with international traffickers earning vast sums of money from the sale of cocaine, heroin, ecstasy (MDMA), and cannabis. According to law enforcement officials, these illicit funds are then laundered through a complex network of transactions, including cash payments, cryptocurrencies, and underground banking.

Government Efforts to Disrupt Cross-Border Crime

The Netherlands’ efforts to combat cross-border crime focus on several key areas:

  • Stopping drug smuggling at the source: The government cooperates with countries where drugs are produced and distributed.
  • Intercepting drugs that reach the Netherlands: This involves working together to stop drugs from entering the country through airports and seaports.
  • Preventing drugs from leaving the country: More checks on parcels are conducted to prevent drugs from being smuggled out of the country.
  • Hitting criminals financially: The government tackles laundering and underground banking, and seizes assets such as money, jewelry, and properties.

International Cooperation

The Dutch government is expanding its cooperation with other countries and international organizations to combat cross-border crime. This includes:

  • Working with Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain to develop a platform for sharing information on new smuggling methods.
  • Collaborating with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean as part of the European Commission’s program EL PAcCTO 2.0.
  • Making agreements with countries where criminal organizations spend or launder their money, such as the United Arab Emirates.

Partner Organizations

The fight against cross-border crime involves various organizations working together, including:

  • Public Prosecution Service (OM): The OM is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes in the Netherlands.
  • Police: The police work closely with the Public Prosecution Service to investigate and prevent crimes.
  • Customs Administration: The Customs Administration works to stop smuggling at borders and airports.
  • Special investigative services: Specialized teams are used to investigate complex cases, such as money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • Ministries: Various ministries, including the Ministry of Justice and Security, work together to develop policies and legislation to combat cross-border crime.
  • European Union: The European Union provides a framework for cooperation between member states on issues like cross-border crime and terrorism.
  • Europol: Europol is the European law enforcement agency responsible for coordinating investigations and providing intelligence on organized crime.
  • Eurojust (EU agency for criminal justice cooperation): Eurojust works to improve cooperation between EU countries on justice and home affairs issues, including cross-border crime.
  • The United Nations: The UN provides a global framework for cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism and countering the financing of terrorism.
  • Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) (MAOC-N): MAOC-N is an international center that works to combat drug trafficking at sea.