European Union: Crime

French authorities have charged five individuals with fundraising for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, following an investigation that began in April. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office is seeking pre-trial detention for two of the suspects as the case moves forward.

Belgium has significantly strengthened its sanctions enforcement framework through revised legislation that entered into force on 1 September 2026. The new Economic Sanctions Law grants authorities broader investigative powers, establishes a dedicated sanctions investigation team, and dramatically increases both administrative and criminal penalties for violations of EU economic sanctions.

When a foreign national is detained in Cyprus, their first court appearance becomes a critical juncture where decisions about continued detention, bail conditions, or travel restrictions are made. The court weighs multiple factors including the severity of allegations, investigation status, and the individual's ties to Cyprus, while early legal representation proves essential in navigating these proceedings. Understanding how passport status and departure plans influence detention decisions can significantl

Reuters is reporting that three individuals have today been convicted of Russian sanctions offences.

It has been reported that the Lithuanian authorities have arrested a Polish national on suspicion of trying to export to Belarus the equivalent of €60,000 in physical currency in Polish zlotys and US dollars.

The Ministry of Justice has unveiled amlcft.public.lu, a centralised national reference portal on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, furthering...

From 24 January the violation of EU international sanctions has become a criminal violation, also triggering the criminal liability of corporations.

This year has been a strained year for Belgium's criminal justice system, marked by mounting budgetary and staffing pressures that have left prosecutors and judges openly questioning their ability to keep pace.

France experienced a notable escalation in enforcement in 2025, driven by broader reliance on criminal conspiracy charges and a sharper focus on complex organized and financial crime, including tax fraud.