29/09/2020 – The 2020 report on economic development in Africa estimates that $89 billion per year is lost due to illicit financial flows. The UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa KITUYI emphasised the fact that “Illicit financial flows rob Africa and its people of their prospects, undermining transparency and accountability and eroding trust in African institutions”.
29/09/2020 – A former Belgian gendarmerie chief was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into cocaine trafficking along with several members of the family gang ‘Aquino’. This investigation began after 3 tonnes of cocaine was seized in Antwerp in late 2019.
30/09/2020 – Spanish authorities have announced the seizure of 30 tonnes of hashish from four sailboats that belong to a Bulgo-Russian organisation. This seizure is the result of cooperation between Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy and Greece and with the support of EUROPOL.
30/09/2020 – During Joint Actions Days, operations supported by EUROPOL brought together 34 countries to combat organised and serious international crime originating from Southeast Europe. Over the four days, 166 suspects were arrested, including 17 for firearms trafficking or illegal possession of firearms, 73 for migrant smuggling or illegal immigration, 37 for drug trafficking and 7 for firearms and drug trafficking.
04/10/2020 – Around 500 kg of cocaine was seized 15 km from Cayenne, the main city in French Guyana. Four suspects were arrested and remain in custody.
04/10/2020 – A total of 557 kg of cocaine has been seized at the Cotonou seaport in Benin. The drugs were hidden in bags containing cashew nuts within a container that was destined for Antwerp, Belgium.
