International collaboration against crime
Recently, a joint operation between the authorities of Andorra, France and Spain, with the support of Europol, has resulted in the arrest of seven individuals involved in crimes of money laundering and tax fraud. This action was the result of an exhaustive research work initiated by the French Gendarmerie, which alerted to suspicious financial movements in a company dedicated to the sale of luxury vehicles.
Origin of research
The investigation was triggered by the beginning of 2024 by the order of the Dragignan Judicial Court, after Trinfin, the French Intelligence Agency, detected significant transfers of a company of the Arab Emirates. This company, which had no relation to the sale of vehicles, received about two million euros in one year, which raised suspicions about possible fraudulent activities.
Discovery of the Fraud Scheme
Research revealed that the funds involved came from a large -scale pyramidal scam, using a Ponzi model that had caused significant losses to thousands of victims. As agents deepened in the case, they identified several dealerships in Andorra, which facilitated money laundering through the purchase of high -end vehicles.
The coordinated operation
In an effort to dismantle this network, Andorra researchers joined their French and Spanish counterparts. Thus, a simultaneous operation was carried out that culminated in arrests and records in various places. On Tuesday, agents executed detention orders in three departments in France, as well as in Andorra and Spain.
Arrests and confiscations
As a result of the actions, five people were arrested in France, and a European arrest order was issued against the main suspect in Spain. In addition, luxury vehicles valued at 3.5 million euros were confiscated, along with valuable clocks. In Andorra, other cars and relevant documentation were confiscated, as well as 120,000 euros blocked in bank accounts.
A new involved
The investigation led to the arrest of a 34 -year -old woman, allegedly involved as a borrower in one of the companies involved. His arrest resulted in the seizure of more vehicles, and the police are still working to identify the total scope of the operation.
Bleaching methods used
The detainees operated through a system that allowed them to acquire luxury vehicles in various European countries, which were later sold to customers, mainly in France. Cars were registered in the name of Andorran company, which allowed them to avoid taxes such as the French added value.
Differences in the modus operandi
Unlike a similar case that took place previously, in which those involved were not related to illegal funding activities, the newly arrested ones used money from a pyramidal scam to finance their operations.
Future of research
With the operation still ongoing, authorities do not rule out new arrests. This situation emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in the fight against money laundering and fraud, and the need to maintain a watchman control over commercial activities that could hide more serious crimes.
