Organized gangs are also laundering large sums of money in Austria – last weekend, Federal Criminal Police investigators were successful against online fraudsters. 800,000 euros were frozen in domestic accounts. But the researchers still have their hands full!
They lie, cheat, conceal their actions and mislead domestic authorities and companies into believing that they have made generous investments or ‘non-suspicious’ financial transactions – we are talking about organized criminals who also launder money on a large scale in this country. The money now mainly comes from online scams. Difficult to track and combat. But there have also been successes on the police front.
The money laundering report published on Thursday also proves this. Last year, thousands of suspicious activity reports were registered at banks (6,482 cases) and cryptocurrency traders (1,021) such as Bitcoin & Co. While banks are seeing a sharp increase year after year, demand for cryptocurrencies from the darknet is declining.
International cooperation can stop perpetrators
Last weekend, Federal Criminal Police (BK) investigators were able to stop a payment following a multi-million dollar scam in France. 800,000 euros were frozen in an account, but the rest disappeared in China.
Manuel Scherscher, head of department 7 for economic crime at the BK, explains: “Last year alone there were 8,000 suspected cases of money laundering. The perpetrator groups are international, so good networking at home and abroad is necessary.” Top researcher Louis Verdier also focuses on the money from Eastern European investors.
From ‘looking the other way’ to becoming a contributor
Just last year, a lawyer was stopped who eagerly wanted to make a lucrative deal with dubious Ukrainian funds. However, the lawyer only had a procedure before the professional disciplinary committee.
Banks, lawyers and notaries are thoroughly trained by investigators to stop suspicious money movements. In any case, the success proves that the police officers are right. After all, more suspicious cases often mean more clarification.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
