Eight people arrested in French drug-trafficking money-laundering case involving Belgium
Belgian and French authorities have arrested eight people and seized over 8 million euros in a cross-border investigation into money laundering linked to drug trafficking.
Eight people arrested in French drug-trafficking money-laundering case involving Belgium
Eight people have been arrested and over 8 million euros seized during a joint Belgian-French operation targeting a money-laundering network that is alleged to have processed drug-trafficking proceeds from France via a company in Brussels.
The investigation, coordinated by Eurojust, revealed a system in which money collectors allegedly transferred illicit proceeds from drug trafficking in France to Belgium. The funds were then laundered through a company based in Brussels, according to authorities.
During two days of coordinated action beginning in France on 5 June and continuing in Belgium the following day, two money collectors were arrested upon arrival in France. Officers seized over 260,000 euros from bags they were carrying. The two suspects were charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation, and remain in custody.
In Belgium, 17 searches led to the arrest of six additional people and the seizure of 8 million euros, three luxury vehicles and luxury watches. The suspects were brought before an investigating magistrate. An arrest warrant was issued, whilst three other suspects were released on bail.
A joint investigation team established at Eurojust enabled authorities from both countries to collaborate on this case.
Source: Eurojust
Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)