ABW smash Russian money laundering
11.10.2021
Internal Security Agency (ABW) agents have detained another 3 people dealing with legalizing money from criminal activities. As a result of this practice over PLN 1 billion in total was „laundered”. The funds, transferred to the companies within the scope of the group’s activity, would come mainly from the territory of Russia.
The persons detained in September 2021 acted for the benefit of an organized criminal group that bought companies in Poland and then registered them on behalf of „straw men”. These companies did not conduct any business activity, did not settle taxes and their only aim was to seize money – mainly from the territory of Russia – and then transferring it to subsequent bank accounts, for example of the companies operating in Great Britain, the Far East countries and in tax havens.
The group’s aim was also to legalize profits coming from its criminal activity, to invest in buying mineral resources, including the tantalum and gold ores, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and then import them to the EU in violation of applicable rules.
The detainees have been charged with involvement in an organized criminal group, money laundering, fraud and obstruction to the investigation. 22 persons have been detained in this case since April 2019. In the course of the investigation over PLN 17 million in total have been secured.
Spokesperson for the Minister Coordinator of Special Services