This is a day of action that took place last January, with the support of Europol, after two operations against migrant smugglers, in which assets worth more than 4.5 million (4 shotguns and multiple electronic devices) were seized.

In a perfect example of the interconnection between criminal networks, Europol supported the deactivation of a parallel criminal banking organisation with multiple branches across Europe.

Seventeen people – 15 in Spain, 1 in Austria and 1 in Belgium – of Chinese and Syrian nationality were arrested on suspicion of providing mainly money laundering services to criminals.

This encompasses parallel banking services, illegal hawala banking, cash collection, cash courier services and exchange of cryptocurrencies for cash.

The criminals operated in at least two branches: one that catered primarily to the Arabic-speaking criminal world and another that served criminal networks originating from China. They also provided money laundering services for other criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling and drug trafficking. Investigators consider the dismantled criminal network to be one of the most significant in this area of crime.

The criminal network is believed to have moved more than 21 million euros. With advertising on social networks, it reached a varied and international clientele. In addition to arresting 17 people, law enforcement seized criminal assets worth more than 4.5 million euros.

The seizure includes: 206,000 euros in cash, 421,000 euros in 77 bank accounts and 183,000 euros in cryptocurrency; 10 real estate assets worth more than 2.5 million euros; 18 vehicles worth more than 207,000 euros; 4 shotguns and ammunition; telephones and other devices; luxury consumables, watches, accessories and jewellery.

Following the successful arrest of migrant smugglers who relied on the illicit banking services of this criminal network, national investigators and Europol financial crime experts jointly launched a new investigation.

The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) addresses the major threats posed by serious and organised international crime affecting the European Union (EU). EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners.

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