Epilogue of the Balkan Cartel operation: Multi-million dollar assets blocked

(Patria) - In an international operation involving Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of prosecutor's offices and law enforcement agencies are collecting evidence for the criminal prosecution of individuals suspected of large-scale money laundering through investments in real estate in several countries, stemming from illicit profits from drug trafficking.

An international network of individuals suspected of money laundering has been identified through the work of institutions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the assistance and cooperation of EUROJUST and EUROPOL.

After drafting an operational plan, a joint start to the operation was agreed upon, which was simultaneously carried out yesterday in all 5 countries, with part of the activities realized in BiH within the framework of the "Balkan Cartel" operation. During the operation in all countries, assets suspected of being acquired through criminal offenses, including large sums of money, luxury cars, real estate, and other property, were blocked, amounting to several million dollars. Searches were conducted at 28 locations, including houses, apartments, and businesses.

Representatives of the prosecutor's offices and law enforcement agencies from the countries participating in the operation in The Hague are coordinating further investigative activities in the case.