December! The end of the year is closing in, and we are planning to get an excellent start in 2023. Since crime takes a pause for holidays and vacations, neither do we. Here are some of the highlights from the past week's information stream.
Starting with comments from the crime-fighting community on the odd ruling from the European Court of Justice on limiting access to beneficial ownership information.
OCCRP has also released their view on the ruling.
OCCRP- Beneficial ownership data is critical in the fight against corruption
The financial action task force (FATF) has released a report examining how proceeds are laundered from synthetic opioid trafficking.
FATF- Money Laundering from Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids
The European Public Prosecutor's Office, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies of 14 EU Member States, carried out simultaneous investigative measures that targeted organised crime groups responsible for VAT fraud estimated at €2.2 billion.
Finally, Interpol has put out a red notice for the Angolan billionaire Isabel Dos Santos.
Reuters- Interpol confirms red notice for Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos
Between 8-19 November, Europol coordinated raids across Europe and the United Arab Emirates( UAE), targeting both the command-and-control centre and the logistical drugs trafficking infrastructure in Europe.
Europol- Heat is rising as European super cartel is taken down in six countries
Insight Crime has more information on the organised crime group that Europol target in Europa and Dubai.
Insight Crime- Was a Super Cartel Really Controlling Europe's Drug Trade?
I want to end this round-up with a lengthy investigation that the Global Investigative Journalism Network has conducted into organised crime in the golden triangle. They have released an extensive guide divided into six chapters that you can cosy down to over the weekend.
Until next time, have a fantastic weekend!