In a coordinated effort, Europol announced the arrest of 17 individuals involved in providing criminal banking services across Europe. The operation, supported by Europol, led to the seizure of assets totaling EUR 4.5 million on a single action day conducted across Austria, Belgium, and Spain. The arrests were a result of dismantling a criminal parallel banking organization that catered to various criminal networks, primarily offering money laundering services. The individuals arrested, mostly of Chinese and Syrian nationality, were involved in activities such as parallel banking, hawala banking, cash collection, courier services, and cryptocurrency exchange. Investigators revealed that the criminal network was significant in facilitating money laundering and related services for criminal activities like migrant smuggling and drug trafficking. The network reportedly moved over EUR 21 million, attracting an international clientele through social media advertising. Besides the arrests, law enforcement seized a substantial amount of assets, including cash, bank accounts, cryptocurrency, real estate, vehicles, weapons, electronic devices, and luxury items. Europol’s involvement in the operation included financial support for investigators and experts in financial crime who traveled to different countries to provide on-ground assistance. The operation was part of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), focusing on combating organized and serious international crime within the EU. Europol’s continued efforts in disrupting criminal networks involved in illicit activities demonstrate a commitment to enhancing cooperation between national authorities and international partners in tackling major crime threats. Post navigation Woman Charged with Attempted Murder in Banyo Domestic Violence Incident Fatal Traffic Crash in Bajool Claims One Life