Category: European Commission

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Eurojust leads efforts to step up judicial response to Money Laundering and Asset Recovery

Source: Eurojust

The second Eurojust Meeting on Money Laundering and Asset Recovery brought together dedicated prosecutors specialised in asset recovery and tackling money laundering from the European Union and countries with liaison prosecutors at Eurojust. Other participants included the European Commission (DG FISMA, DG HOME, DG JUST, and DG ECFIN), Europol, EPPO, EJN, CARIN network, INTERPOL, the Council of Europe (MONEYVAL), as well as representatives from Asset Recovery Offices and Asset Management Offices.

Eurojust Vice-President Margarita Sniutyte-Daugeliene stated in her opening remarks: In 2023 alone, Eurojust’s assistance in the fight against organised crime led to seizing or freezing of EUR 1.1 billion. Money laundering remains in the top three of crime types Eurojust deals with every year. Fighting money laundering and recovering assets will therefore remain a top priority, and in months to come Eurojust will offer further means for closer cooperation between the judiciary, law enforcement and other actors involved across the European Union.

The meeting was an opportunity for participants to share experiences in relation to matters such as money laundering as a service, the misuse of Hawala (a type of informal money or value transfer service often used by criminals to launder money) and underground banking, and misuse of cryptocurrencies as money laundering schemes, issues related to predicate office. Participants also shared experiences in relation to asset recovery matters such as restitution and compensation of victims, asset sharing and disposal, exceptional costs and non-conviction based confiscation. Eurojust’s support on these cases was highlighted throughout the presentations. Participants highlighted the importance of increasing cooperation in this field.

Participants confirmed their strong support to the set up of a dedicated Judicial Focus Group on Money Laundering and Asset Recovery, organised by Eurojust, and discussed possible mandate and tasks of the Judicial Focus Group. The Judicial Focus Group would be composed of prosecutors or judges who would represent a multidisciplinary hub of experts at national level involved in the investigation and prosecution of money laundering and asset recovery, such as asset recovery offices, asset management offices, law enforcement, financial intelligence units, financial accountants, crypto experts. The Focus Group would give judicial authorities guidance on specific matters such as post-conviction financial investigations, exceptional costs concerning the execution of freezing and confiscation orders, and guidance on restitution to or compensation of victims. Eurojust is uniquely placed to bridge the gap between the national hubs by creating this international platform represented by the judiciary.

Money laundering and asset recovery are a high priority on the EU agenda. Since the last expert meeting in June 2023, a number of legislative proposals have been adopted, including the Directive on Asset Recovery and Confiscation, the Directive on the Violation of Union of restrictive measures and on the Anti-Money laundering package.

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Eurojust hosts European Commission event to increase coordination in fight against wildlife trafficking

Source: Eurojust

On 11-12 April 2024, the 46th Meeting of the EU Wildlife Trade Enforcement Group took place at Eurojust headquarters in The Hague. The event, which was organised by the European Commission’s DG Environment, brought together key stakeholders working to fight back against wildlife trafficking.

The illegal trade in protected wildlife species has become one of the most profitable criminal activities, with devastating effects on the environment, animal populations, human health and the global economy. Often, it also acts as a catalyst for other serious crimes, such as fraud, forgery of documents, and money laundering. For this reason, a joint approach between a diverse range of stakeholders is necessary to effectively prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute these crimes.

Participants of this event included representatives of national administrative, law enforcement and judicial authorities, as well as EU agencies (OLAF, Europol and Eurojust) and international organisations (Interpol, UNODC, WCO), as well as, for specific agenda items, non-governmental organisations (WWF, TRAFFIC, GI-TOC, IFAW). Over the course of the 2-day event they received updates on legislative initiatives and policy developments, presented the outcome of recent cases, and exchanged views on best practices for detection, investigation and cross-border cooperation.

About the EU Wildlife Trade Enforcement Group

The Group, chaired by the European Commission, gathers representatives of Member States authorities competent to enforce and implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), provisions of which are incorporated into the EU and national law. To learn more about how the EU is tackling illegal wildlife trade, visit the European Commission’s website.

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Visit of Lebanese Minister of Justice Mr Henri Khoury

Source: Eurojust

Mr Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust and Mr Henri Khoury, Minister of Justice of Lebanon

A Lebanese delegation led by Justice Minister Mr Henri Khoury visited Eurojust today, to get better acquainted with the Agency, in particular the protection of personal data processed by Eurojust. The visit was organised by the European Commission in cooperation with Eurojust.

Lebanon is one of the countries the European Commission is negotiating with to work towards an international agreement on cooperation with Eurojust. Minister Khoury was presented with the cooperation modalities the agreement would enable and was informed of the safeguards to protect privacy and personal data that are in place at Eurojust. The Lebanese delegation also met and exchanged views with the EuroMed Justice project team at Eurojust.

Minister Khoury stated: I am honoured to be at Eurojust today for a study visit to get a deeper understanding of data protection processes, which will facilitate future judicial cooperation. I trust this visit will help move closer to an international agreement with Eurojust.

Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: As the international dimension of organised crime grows ever bigger, it is crucial for Eurojust, prosecutors and investigative judges to cooperate with colleagues outside the European Union. It has therefore been important to meet with Minister Khoury to review options for collaboration with Lebanon and we look forward to establishing closer operational ties.