24 industrial-scale labs dismantled in the largest-ever operation against synthetic drugs
A large-scale law enforcement action, conducted within the Europol-coordinated operation Fabryka, led to the dismantling of a criminal network operating across the European Union. On Friday, 16 January, coordinated efforts took place in Poland, as well as in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. These actions targeted a network suspected of importing a large quantity of precursors used for the production of synthetic drugs in labs across multiple countries. Additionally, the network engaged in money laundering activities to further its illicit operations. The year-long operation Fabryka involved law enforcement and judicial authorities from Belgium, Czechia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.
EXCLUSIVE: Epstein Victims' Lawyer Accuses Billionaire Banker Leon Black of 'Human Trafficking and Money Laundering' — and Paying off 'Young Women With Known Ties' to Twisted Sex Fiend in Sensational Court Filing - AOL.com
In a recent court filing, the lawyer representing victims of Jeffrey Epstein has accused billionaire banker Leon Black of human trafficking and money laundering. The allegations include claims that Black paid off young women with known connections to Epstein.
Eurojust-Backed Raids Uncover $364 Million Cross-Border Money Laundering Network
<p>French and Romanian authorities have arrested 13 people suspected of laundering at least 306 million euros ($364 million) in proceeds from drug trafficking and other crimes, <a href="https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/news/action-against-eur-306-million-money-laundering-network">Eurojust</a> said.</p><p>The group is believed to have operated between 2018 and 2024 through a cross-border network spanning France and Romania. Eurojust said the suspects allegedly funneled large sums through accounts of companies under their control.</p><p>In Romania, part of the funds was invested in real estate, often registered in the names of third parties to conceal beneficial ownership. Authorities seized more than 400,000 euros in cash, along with jewelry, luxury watches and mobile phones.</p>
OSINT Workflows for Tackling Money Laundering
Money laundering is the process of disguising the origins of illicit funds so they appear legitimate. It is one of the most enduring aspects of organized crime, underpinning corruption, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and fraud. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that between two and five percent of global GDP is laundered each year, representing trillions of dollars in hidden wealth.
Nigerian Pension Reformer Bought US and UAE Properties Before Money Laundering Conviction
Authorities seized at least 20 properties in Nigeria after former pension fund official Abdulrasheed Maina was convicted of money laundering. Reporters have now discovered four additional properties, purchased with “cash in hand.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What was the outcome of the recent operation against synthetic drugs?
24 industrial-scale labs were dismantled in the largest-ever operation against synthetic drugs.
Q:What allegations were made against billionaire banker Leon Black?
Leon Black was accused of human trafficking and money laundering in a court filing by Epstein victims' lawyer.
Q:What was uncovered during the Eurojust-backed raids?
The raids uncovered a $364 million cross-border money laundering network.
Q:What actions did a Nigerian pension reformer take prior to their money laundering conviction?
The Nigerian pension reformer bought properties in the US and UAE before their money laundering conviction.
Q:What is the focus of OSINT workflows in relation to money laundering?
OSINT workflows are focused on tackling money laundering activities.