Money laundering is constantly evolving. It is no longer only about cash, offshore accounts or complex networks of shell companies. Criminal proceeds can nowadays be moved in seconds around the globe and disguised using new technologies, including crypto-assets. As criminal methods and tools become more creative and sophisticated, the criminal justice authorities should catch up, adjusting their approaches.
In order to effectively tackle money laundering, more than simply following the financial trail is required. Authorities need to have a profound understanding of how criminal networks operate, gather and further connect different pieces of evidence and identify the people, companies and assets behind seemingly legitimate transactions. Targeting money laundering as a stand-alone offence is one of the potential solutions as it lets authorities combat the criminal networks and financial facilitators, even when the original offence is committed elsewhere, cannot be proven, or involves perpetrators who remain out of reach, thereby cutting off criminals' access to their illicit gains.
From 28 September to 1 October 2026, investigators, prosecutors and judges from the Republic of Moldova participated in two consecutive workshops on “Investigating, Prosecuting and Adjudicating Money Laundering as a Stand-alone Offence.” Through practical cases, discussions and exercises, participants explored how to trace the movement of funds, analyse financial and circumstantial evidence, uncover links between people, companies and assets, and demonstrate that property originates from criminal activity.
The central focus of the workshops was learning how to approach money laundering as a stand-alone offence. This means that authorities may build a criminal investigation even where there has been no prior conviction for the criminal activity that generated the proceeds.
The workshops also highlighted the importance of cooperation across the criminal justice chain. Investigators, prosecutors and judges each play a distinct role, but an effective response depends on a shared understanding of the evidence, clear presentation of complex financial information and close coordination between institutions. Ultimately, successful money laundering investigations should not only identify those responsible, but also help trace and confiscate the proceeds that make criminal activity profitable.
By strengthening the practical capacity of national authorities to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate money laundering cases as a stand-alone criminal offences, the activity contributes to a more effective response to financial crime, while supporting the Republic of Moldova’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, protect the integrity of its financial system and advance on its path towards European integration.
This event is part of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project on “Enhancing the anti-money laundering and asset recovery regime in the Republic of Moldova”.
