Spanish and Portuguese authorities have dismantled a massive money-laundering operation tied to the Russian mafia, leading to the arrest of 14 individuals in a series of raids. The operation, which involved a €1 trillion ($828 billion) criminal network, spanned several European countries. According to Europol, most of the suspects are Russian nationals.
The criminal group primarily laundered money from illegal drug trafficking and charged a 2-3% commission per transaction, operating as “a genuine multinational money laundering company,” according to Spain’s National Police. Raids took place across Spain and in Lisbon, Portugal, with over €1 million in cash and cryptocurrencies seized.
The network operated in cities like Madrid, Marbella, Málaga, and others, with each office processing up to €300,000 daily for criminal groups from Albania, Serbia, Armenia, China, Ukraine, and Colombia. The investigation began in 2023 when authorities noticed several prominent Russian mafia members moving large sums of money across Spain daily.
Europol revealed that the gang used the “Hawala” system—a traditional method where a broker in one location arranges a transfer through a contact in another location—enabling funds to be moved without the need for physical or digital bank transfers.
Additionally, the group explored expanding its operations to Cuba, proposing to install solar panels for the Cuban government in exchange for minerals. During phone conversations with Cuban officials, gang members claimed to have strong ties with Spanish political leaders.
The properties raided in Madrid, Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Coín, Ayamonte, and Lisbon each contained a high-security safe and money-counting machines hidden in soundproof cabinets to disguise their operation. To avoid detection, the group frequently switched locations, vehicles, and used encrypted phones. If one member was arrested, the phones of all group members would be locked remotely.
Police report that three key ringleaders remain in custody, and additional arrests are anticipated.
