Massive Crackdown: 14 Arrested in Iberian Operation Against Russian Mafia Money Laundering

Major Arrests in Money Laundering Operation

Fourteen individuals allegedly linked to the Russian mafia have been arrested in a joint operation between Portugal and Spain, supported by Europol, targeting international organized crime money laundering. The operation took place on January 21, resulting in the seizure of over one million euros in cash and cryptocurrencies.

Operations Across Spain

The criminal group primarily operated in Spain, where they had multiple offices equipped with security safes managed by cashiers, handling about 300,000 euros daily. They maintained a protocol that included issuing receipts for transactions to the leaders of the Russian organization.

Clientele and Charges

The dismantled network served various criminal organizations, including Albanian, Serbian, Armenian, Chinese, Ukrainian, Colombian, and the Mocro Mafia from the Netherlands. The organization charged its clients a fee of 2-3% on the laundered amounts.

Financial Tactics and Investigations

According to the Judiciary Police, suspects utilized intermediaries to transfer funds via the Hawala method, mainly from drug trafficking, using their own business networks to launder the funds. One suspect had established residence in Lisbon and has since been made a defendant.

Evidence Seized

A search conducted by the National Unit for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking led to the confiscation of a significant amount of cash, electronic equipment, and bank documentation. The investigation, named Strongbox, began in 2023 after systematic money collection and delivery activities were detected among Russian nationals in Spain.

Future Implications

Out of the 14 arrests, three individuals closely connected to the Russian mafia remain in preventive detention in Spain. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of future arrests.