A joint operation by French and Romanian law enforcement agencies, coordinated by Eurojust, has resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects in a large-scale money laundering scheme.
According to investigators, between 2018 and 2024, an organized crime group laundered at least €306 million in proceeds from drug trafficking and other serious crimes.
During a large-scale operation conducted simultaneously in two countries, 24 searches were conducted at the suspects’ homes. The following items were seized:
over €400,000 in cash
jewelry
expensive premium watches
a large quantity of mobile phones and other electronics
The investigation established that dozens of people were involved in the scheme, and that the money was laundered through a complex network of companies, bank accounts, and fictitious transactions in several EU countries.
“This is one of the largest anti-money laundering operations in recent years. The criminals used classic methods—from shell companies to investments in luxury goods,” Eurojust representatives noted.
The detainees are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing: law enforcement is searching for other members of the group and trying to determine where the bulk of the funds were transferred.
The case is being handled by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) established with the support of Eurojust. Additional charges and arrests are expected in the coming months.