Chinese nationals would take bags and suitcases filled with money to their
country where it was recieved by members of the money laundering organization
who would then invest it in other businesses.
At least 80 people were detained in Spain and other countries in
"Operation Emperor" which dismantled a gang integrated by Chinese
nationals which
allegedly laundered an estimated 200 to 300 million
euros a year, Spain's chief anti-corruption prosecutor said on Tuesday
(October 16).
Six million euros in cash were found during police raids, as
well as
202 vehicles, jewellery and pieces of art. One hundred
and twenty-two bank accounts and 235 banking societies have been intervened,
authorities said.
Amongst those arrested are a
councillor from Fuenlabrada
near Madrid,
Spanish porn actor Nacho Vidal and
members
of the police.
Raids took place in Madrid, Barcelona and other locations in the Basque
Country, Castille and León and the southern city of Málaga. Most of the 80
detentions took place in Spain and seven other countries including China. In
total 110 arrest warrants have been issued.
The chief anti-corruption prosecutor Antonio Salinas said the
Chinese
nationals would take bags and suitcases filled with money to their country
where it was recieved by members of the money laundering organization
who would then invest it in real estate and other businesses.
They would also lauder cash through money transfers and at one point had
their own money transferring agency, Salinas said.
Another way money was laundered was through agreements with Spaniards who
have money in tax-free havens. The Spaniards would send the money to China, and
then cash was handed over in Spain. The investigation is still ongoing, police
said. (eitb.com)
Experts think early humans, who lived in Africa more than
three million years ago, mainly ate grass.
