EU Strengthens Fight Against Money Laundering and Asset Theft

The European Union is ramping up its efforts against organised financial crime, with Eurojust concluding the first annual Judicial Focus Group on Money Laundering and Asset Recovery. The two-day meeting, held at the agency’s headquarters, explored pressing challenges in tracking illicit funds and strengthening cross-border judicial cooperation.

One major topic of discussion was the growing role of crypto-assets in money laundering. Experts highlighted how virtual currencies allow criminals to move funds across borders quickly and anonymously, often masking them through professional laundering services that appear legitimate. The rise of the “crime-as-a-service” model, where organised networks offer laundering services for hire, adds further complexity to investigations.

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A key feature of the meeting was the presentation of the Eurojust Casework Report on Regulation 2018/1805, which focuses on the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders. The report offers practical guidance for national authorities, outlining both recent improvements and persistent hurdles in applying the regulation effectively across EU member states.

Workshops and discussions provided participants with the opportunity to analyse real-life scenarios, exploring strategies to recover assets and tackle money laundering schemes. International bodies also shared initiatives to support cross-border cooperation and technological tools to trace illicit funds.

Throughout the sessions, participants underlined the importance of stronger judicial collaboration, faster information sharing, and innovative approaches to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics. By facilitating dialogue and offering expertise, Eurojust continues to position itself as a central hub in Europe’s fight against organised financial crime.