Europol has played a key role in a cross-border operation targeting a criminal network involved in money laundering across Portugal and Spain. The gang, predominantly consisting of Russian nationals, provided laundering services to various other EU-based criminal organisations, predominantly sourcing illicit funds from drug trafficking.

The operation, which took place on January 21, 2025, across multiple locations in both countries, led to significant results, including the arrest of 14 individuals and the seizure of over EUR 1 million in cash and cryptocurrencies. In total, nine house searches were conducted as authorities dismantled a complex money laundering ring that had already laundered over EUR 1 million since the investigation’s commencement.

The gang used the Hawala method to transfer large sums of money, often up to EUR 300,000 daily, moving funds sourced from illicit activities, primarily drug trafficking. Their operations were largely based in Spain, and they utilized their own company networks to launder the illicit profits.

Throughout the investigation, Europol provided essential analytical support to national authorities, deploying a specialist on the action day to assist with data extraction and analysis. This coordinated effort reflects Europol’s increasing focus on financial investigations and asset recovery, crucial for dismantling complex criminal networks.

Europol’s commitment to tackling high-value targets within organised crime has led to a strategic shift toward enhanced financial investigations and multi-disciplinary cooperation. This operation underlines Europol’s operational impact in dismantling poly-criminal groups through robust support systems and collaboration with Member States.

Authorities from Portugal and Spain, including the Polícia Judiciária and Policía Nacional, were pivotal in executing the operation, showcasing the strength of international law enforcement cooperation in combating organised crime.