Spanish and Portuguese Authorities Dismantle Russian-Led Money Laundering Network

Spanish and Portuguese authorities have arrested 14 individuals involved in a large-scale money laundering network primarily operated by Russian nationals. According to Europol, the gang provided laundering services to other criminal organizations across the European Union and is believed to have processed more than €1 million since the investigation began.

The operation, carried out on 21 January 2025, targeted multiple locations across Spain, including Madrid, Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Coín, and Ayamonte, as well as Lisbon in Portugal. Law enforcement agencies coordinated raids that resulted in 14 arrests and nine house searches, as well as the seizure of over €1 million in cash and cryptocurrency.

Authorities revealed that the suspects operated primarily in Spain and utilized the Hawala system, an informal value transfer method, to move illicit funds. Much of the cash laundered was linked to drug trafficking, with Europol stating that the network handled transactions “reaching up to €300,000 per day.” The criminal group funneled these illegal proceeds through a network of businesses to obscure their origins.

Europol played a critical role in supporting the investigation by providing data analysis and operational expertise. A Europol specialist was present on-site during the raids to assist authorities in extracting and analyzing crucial evidence. The agency has been increasingly focused on targeting high-value criminals and tracking illicit financial flows, emphasizing the need to dismantle sophisticated laundering operations.

“The most dangerous organised crime groups use complex laundering schemes to hide their profits. Europol is enhancing its analytical capabilities,” the agency stated, underlining its commitment to combating financial crimes at an international level.

By fLEXI tEAM