MEPs approve new criminal asset confiscation law

The European Parliament has approved a European Union (EU) directive negotiated with the EU Council of Ministers that will insist the 27 member states have appropriate regulations and procedures to freeze and confiscate the proceeds of crime.This legislation was prompted by concerns that only 2.2 % of the proceeds of EU-focused crime are currently confiscated.

By Keith Nuthall

The European Parliament (EP) has approved a European Union (EU) directive negotiated with the EU Council of Ministers that will insist the 27 member states have appropriate regulations and procedures to freeze and confiscate the proceeds of crime.This legislation was prompted by concerns that only 2.2 % of the proceeds of EU-focused crime are currently confiscated.