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Gibraltar’s Money Laundering Investigation Unit: The Silent Heroes of Organised Crime Enforcement

The Royal Gibraltar Police’s (RGP) Money Laundering Investigation Unit (MLIU) has been instrumental in seizing or recovering millions of pounds from organised crime over the past few years. Despite operating under the radar, the MLIU is one of the busiest departments within the RGP.

Leading the Charge

At the helm of the unit is Detective Chief Inspector Tunbridge, who has spent over 23 years with the RGP and 17 of those in the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), which comprises the MLIU and the Fraud Squad. According to DCI Tunbridge, tackling organised crime at its core is a rewarding and interesting experience.

The Challenges

However, it’s not without its challenges. “Money laundering will happen wherever there is criminal activity,” he explained. Gibraltar conducts regular National Risk Assessments on money laundering and has identified foreign organised crime gangs laundering their proceeds of criminal conduct in the territory as one of their top risks.

The Team

Under DCI Tunbridge’s command, the ECU comprises an inspector, two detective sergeants, six detective constables, two retired police officers, one civilian administration officer, and two accountants. The team is responsible for investigating money laundering cases, working closely with local agencies such as the Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU) to gather intelligence on suspicious financial activity.

Successes

The MLIU was established in 2016 to help enforce the Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing Gibraltar to demonstrate its commitment to combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The unit has had significant successes, including recovering over £2 million in cash and seizing luxury yachts, apartments, and watches from organised crime groups.

Complexity and Commitment

But the work is complex and often takes years to complete. According to DCI Tunbridge, an ECU detective needs to be willing and able to commit to lengthy investigations. The team must sift through large quantities of data, including phone records, computer files, bank statements, and physical documents.

Impact and Importance

Despite these challenges, DCI Tunbridge believes that the MLIU’s efforts are crucial in reducing the profit motive behind criminal activity. “Money laundering is not victimless,” he emphasized. “Drug gangs will sell drugs to anyone they can to make money. If you take that money away from them, it hurts them where it counts.”

Cross-Border Cooperation

The unit has strong cross-border cooperation with Spanish law enforcement agencies, which is essential in targeting money laundering operations. However, the UK’s departure from the European Union has made collaboration more challenging, as Gibraltar no longer has access to the European Investigative Order.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, DCI Tunbridge hopes for increased investment and expertise in the ECU, including a dedicated legal counsel, data analysts, and accountants. Until then, he remains committed to disrupting organised crime by seizing their assets and reducing their profit motive.