Europol's largest-ever operation seizes millions in criminal assets worldwide

Europol's largest-ever operation seizes millions in criminal assets worldwide

Europol has announced its largest-ever operation has resulted in the seizure of millions in criminal assets worldwide.

The operation, known as Project A.S.S.E.T. (Asset Search and Seize Enforcement Taskforce), wrapped up on January 17, 2025, after a joint effort involving more than 80 financial experts and 43 law enforcement agencies across 28 countries. The operation resulted in the identification and seizure of millions of dollars in assets, including properties, bank accounts, luxury vehicles, yachts, and cryptocurrencies.

The global operation uncovered 53 properties, eight of which were valued at 38.5 million euros ($40 million). Additionally, investigators traced over 220 bank accounts, including one with a balance of $5.6 million. Authorities also uncovered 83 crypto wallets and addresses linked to criminal organizations. Among the assets seized were 15 companies and over 20 luxury yachts, alongside high-end vehicles, all valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Europol reported that 200,000 euros worth of cryptocurrencies were frozen as part of the operation. This targeted action aims to disrupt the financial networks that fund organized crime and terrorism.

The initiative is part of Europol’s ongoing efforts to combat the illegal use of financial systems and address the under-reported issue of asset seizure. According to authorities, less than 2% of criminal profits are currently seized worldwide, with the remaining 98% enabling further criminal activities.

One of the primary sectors used to launder illicit gains is real estate. Europol estimates that 41% of illegal and untaxed profits in the European Union are funneled through property transactions. Project A.S.S.E.T. directly addresses this issue, with a particular focus on identifying assets that are being used to obscure the origin of criminal funds.

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