Eurojust assists Czech Republic and Finland in dismantling human trafficking network

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Eurojust assists Czech Republic and Finland in dismantling human trafficking network

The Hague, 25 April 2023

Supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities in the Czech Republic and Finland have dismantled a criminal network involved in trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Thirteen suspects have been arrested in three joint actions and over 90 victims have been brought to safety. Eurojust assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.

Active since at least 2019, the interconnected organised crime groups (OGCs) allegedly recruited women in the Czech Republic and forced them into prostitution in different locations in the Czech Republic and Finland. The OCGs were well organised with a clear division of roles. The suspects organised the transport and accommodation of the victims, advertised their services on dedicated escort websites and communicated with the customers.

The perpetrators kept and laundered part of the victims’ earnings to conceal their criminal origins. The OCGs are believed to have acquired large sums of money through this criminal activity.

During three joint actions that took place between April 2022 and January 2023, a total of thirteen suspects were arrested. Over EUR 200,000 in cash, 3 apartments, 4 luxury vehicles and other valuable items were seized. Over 90 victims have been already identified and brought to safety.

The Finnish court has already convicted three members of an OCG arrested in the first joint action in April 2022. The main suspect was convicted of aggravated pandering and other offences and sentenced to imprisonment of 2 years and 10 months. The second suspect was convicted of aggravated pandering and other offences to conditional imprisonment of 1 year. The proceeds of the crime confiscated in both cases amount to EUR 219,000 and EUR 6700, respectively. The third suspect was convicted of abetting the pandering and sentenced to conditional imprisonment of 3 months.

The case was opened by the Czech authorities in May 2021. A JIT was set up between the Czech and Finnish authorities with the support of Eurojust in August 2021. Three coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and prepare for the action days.

Europol supported the operation by deploying members of Analysis Project Phoenix with a mobile office to carry out rapid on-the-spot cross-checking and to provide forensic support during the action days.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Czech Republic: Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office in České Budějovice, Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office in Prague, District Public Prosecutor’s Office for Prague 3 and District Public Prosecutor’s Office in Ostrava; Police of the Czech Republic, National Centre Against Organised Crime Unit, Branch České Budějovice
  • Finland: Helsinki Police Department; Finnish Prosecution Authority, Prosecution District of Southern Finland

Strike against organised crime group that defrauded thousands of companies

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Strike against organised crime group that defrauded thousands of companies

The Hague, 26 April 2023

Judicial and law enforcement authorities in Germany, Estonia and Latvia have carried out a coordinated action against an organised crime group suspected of defrauding thousands of German companies. During a joint action day in all 3 countries, 3 suspects were arrested and 17 places searched. Investigators seized cash, illegal drugs and additional pieces of evidence. Moreover, over 300 bank accounts were frozen.

As in all EU countries, companies based in Germany are required by law to publish certain information in the national commercial register. This data is then published online on a dedicated website. The publications are subject to a fee, for which the registry courts issue invoices.

The members of the group allegedly used an automated process to retrieve new notices from the commercial register’s website and created fake invoices based on the data obtained. These unauthorised invoices were not only forged but also inflated, with amounts typically around EUR 850. Since September 2020, the group allegedly sent more than 150 000 of these fake court invoices to businesses and associations, resulting in several thousand companies paying the demanded sum. The total damage caused is estimated at EUR 2.5 million. Furthermore, an Estonian member of the group is also suspected of having committed tax fraud.

Eurojust assisted the investigations by organising a coordination meeting and setting up a joint investigation team. Additional investigative support from authorities in Lithuania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Malta and the Czech Republic allowed investigators to follow the money transfers and trace the suspects.

The following authorities took part in the investigation:

  • Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Detmold, District Police Mettmann
  • Estonia: Viru District Prosecutor’s Office; Tax and Customs Board, Investigation Department, East Division
  • Latvia: International Cooperation Division of the Prosecutor General’s Office, State Police of Latvia: Central Criminal Police Department, International Cooperation Department and Cybercrime Enforcement Department

Crackdown on criminal human trafficking network in Romania and Ireland

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Crackdown on criminal human trafficking network in Romania and Ireland

The Hague, 26 April 2023

Supported by Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Romania and Ireland have taken action against an organised crime group (OCG) involved in the trafficking of Romanian women for sexual exploitation, pimping, trafficking of high-risk drugs and money laundering. During a joint action, 6 suspects were detained and 38 searches were carried out.

The leaders of the OCG allegedly developed a prostitution network that facilitated the sexual exploitation of over 30 women. The victims were recruited in Romania and transported to various locations in Ireland where they were accommodated in rented properties. The sexual services were advertised through advertisements posted on profile sites on the internet. The suspects also used the victims to sell drugs to clients.

Active since 2019, the OCG is believed to have acquired large sums of money through this criminal activity, which they used to purchase cars and real estate properties in Romania.

In order to conceal the criminal origin of the proceeds, the perpetrators used a complex financial circuit, including the use of fast money transfer services and bank accounts opened in the names of intermediaries. The OCG also set up real state companies to launder the proceeds.

The suspects are also believed to have sold high-risk drugs in several districts in Romania between 2021 and 2023.

During the action day on 25 April, 6 suspects were detained and 38 searches were carried out. Twenty-nine mobile phones and other electronic equipment, two airsoft guns, high-risk drugs and approximately EUR 3,000 in cash were seized. A seizure order was issued for 10 cars and a motorcycle. Two Irish police officers were present in Romania during the action.

The case was opened in February 2022 at the request of the Romanian authorities. A joint investigation team was set up between the Romanian and Irish authorities with the support of Eurojust in July 2022. Four coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to discuss legal and judicial matters and agree on a prosecutorial strategy to collect evidence.

One of the coordination meetings brought together senior officials to align strategies and improve coordination between the two countries to better address the growing trend of human trafficking involving Romanian citizens in Ireland, often controlled by OCGs based in Romania. The coordination meeting laid a good foundation for future cooperation between Romania and Ireland on this topic.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Ireland: An Garda Síochána
  • Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice –Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism – Gorj Territorial Service; Police Service for Combating Organized Crime of Gorj, Pitesti, Valcea, Mehedinti, Olt , Craiova and Bucuresti

Seaside Modern: Art and Life on the Beach

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Seaside Modern: Art and Life on the Beach

The Arts Society The Hague Presents the “Seaside Modern: Art and Life on the Beach” by James Russell

Join us for a very special lecture given by James Russell on Tuesday 9th May 2023 at 20.00 hours. This will be a Live lecture in the Warenar theatre also streamed via Zoom.

James Russell is an art historian, curator and author with a leaning towards 20 th /21 st century British art and culture. James is a contributor to Margy Kinmonth’s new film ‘Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War’. His exhibition ‘Changing Times’ is at Higgens Bedford until April 2023. Previously he has organised many shows such as Seafaring (Hastings Contemporary, 2022); Extraordinary Everyday: The Art and Design of Eric Ravilious (Arc Winchester, 2022); Seaside Modern: Art and Life on the Beach (Hastings Contemporary, 2021) and Eric Ravilious: Downland Man (Wiltshire Museum, 2021).

Between the wars something extraordinary happened to the British seaside: it became glamorous, exciting… modern. Enticed by eye-catching railway posters, holidaymakers grabbed their new cameras and slinky new bathing suits, and headed for the coast. Meanwhile artists galore found inspiration on the beach, from Laura Knight in Lamorna and Eric Ravilious in Newhaven to Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore in North Norfolk. With eye-catching artworks, glorious posters and startling archive photos, this exuberant, colourful lecture explores a remarkable period in 20th century British culture.

Please note that this will be the last lecture of this season.

To register for the Lecture ( live in the Warenar Theatre or streamed via Zoom) please go to https://theartssociety.org/the-hague Please note that you have to register before Monday 8th May, 2023. The lecture starts on Tuesday 9th May at 20.00 pm. Fee (non-members): € 13,-. A membership (8 lectures and other activities) is € 65,- per year and € 120,- for a couple. A half-year membership (4 lectures and other activities) is € 32,50 per year and € 60,- for a couple

ICC holds eighth Seminar on Cooperation in The Hague with national focal points

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ICC holds eighth Seminar on Cooperation in The Hague with national focal points

On 24-26 April 2023, the eighth Seminar on Cooperation with national focal points took place at the seat of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”) in The Hague, The Netherlands. For three days, a number of officials and focal points from States where investigations are being conducted and other States playing a key role in cooperation met with Court officials and staff to discuss cooperation with the ICC and share good practices. Representatives from 19 States were present, including representatives from 2 States not parties to the Rome Statute.

ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański stated: “The effective cooperation of States with the ICC is of central importance to the Court. And those gathered in this room play a key role in making that cooperation possible, from day to day, and year to year. By working together, we can make, little by little, headway toward reducing the space for impunity, strengthening access to justice for all, and building lasting peace”.

ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański at the eighth Seminar on Cooperation at the ICC Headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. ©ICC-CPI

In welcoming the delegates, ICC Prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC said: “Together, we strive to create a system of global justice that gives expression to the voice of human values. The critical factors in pursuit of this goal are cooperation and complementarity. The national focal points hold a strategic place at the forefront of this effort”.

ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler stated: “The focal points are the keepers of the Court’s effectiveness in the countries where it operates, playing a crucial role in ensuring the ICC’s ability to deliver on its mandate”.

States play an essential role in implementing the Court’s decisions, orders and requests, and States Parties often nominate a national focal point to coordinate and channel communications between national authorities and the Court. This week, the focal points discussed topics related to cooperation, shared good practices and found the best ways to move forward to continue ensuring effective and efficient cooperation between the focal points and the Court, with a view to continue the Court’s efforts in improving the efficiency of the ICC’s proceedings.

The Seminar with focal points forms part of broader efforts to further advance cooperation with the ICC and enhance global support for the Court, in particular in countries where investigations are ongoing. The Seminar was funded by the European Union.

Human trafficking network dismantled

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Human trafficking network dismantled

A human trafficking network dismantled in the United Kingdom and Bulgaria: nine arrests.

With the support of Eurojust and Europol, authorities in the United Kingdom and Bulgaria have taken action against an organised crime group (OCG) involved in the trafficking of Bulgarian women for sexual exploitation. During a joint action, nine suspects were arrested and eight searches were carried out. Eurojust assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.

The investigation into the criminal network began in the United Kingdom (UK) in November 2021. The suspects allegedly approached vulnerable Bulgarian women and transported them to the UK, where they were forced to engage in prostitution and drug supply activities in London and the surrounding area. 

The proceeds of the criminal activities were believed to be laundered by the OCG through businesses and assets in the UK and Bulgaria.

During a joint action day on 26 April, nine suspects were arrested. A total of eight house searches were carried out, four in each country. Assets worth over EUR 1.1 million were seized, including cash, high-value vehicles and property. Five victims have been already identified and brought to safety.

The case was opened by Eurojust in January 2022 at the request of the UK authorities. A JIT was set up between the UK and Bulgarian authorities with the support of Eurojust in June 2022. Two coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and to prepare for the joint action day.

Europol has been supporting this case since 2021 by facilitating the exchange of information between the authorities involved and providing analytical support. A Europol officer was deployed to Bulgaria on the action day to assist the investigators.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Bulgaria: Regional Prosecutor’s Office Pleven; General Directorate Combating Organized Crime
  • United Kingdom: Metropolitan Police Service; Crown Prosecution Service

Picture credit: General Directorate Combating Organized Crime, Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria

The Royal Thai Embassy Celebrates Songkran 2023 With a  Concert

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The Royal Thai Embassy Celebrates Songkran 2023 With a  Concert

By Roy Lie Atjam

Songkran:  to move ormovement.

The Royal Thai Embassy celebrated Songkran, Thai New Year with a Classical Concert featuring Trio d’amour at the Royal Thai Embassy The Hague on April 19, 2023.

Songkran is a fun-filled spring cultural event that welcomes Thailand’s New Year. It is a time of joy and unity, an excellent opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the festivities.

Trio d’amour is an ensemble of talented young Thai Classical Music Artists consisting of Mr Nonthapat Chaiviratnukul, saxophone, Mr Teesin Puriwatthapong, violin, and Mr Chayuth Kaivihai, cello. Their repertoire includes a selection from the J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations, F. Schubert, and A. Roussel, as well as a selection of Thai music pieces that took the audience on a nostalgic journey: Kwam Rak (Love) 2. Tha Ther Rak Krai Kon Nueng  (If you love someone) 3. Ramwong Wan Songkran (Songkran Dance) 4. Ik Sak Ki Krang (How many times) 5. Chivit Chan Kaad Ther Mai Dai (I cannot live my life without you).

Ambassador Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Nataya Archjananun welcomed the Ambassador of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah. The Royal Thai Embassy Celebrates Songkran 2023

Ambassador Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Nataya Archjananun welcomed the guests. Each guest received an original Thai scarf. In brief, Ambassador Chatri Archjananun welcome his guests with the following words, “a very warm welcome to the Royal Thai Embassy. Let me start by extending my greetings in Thai, สวัสดีครับ. We are delighted to welcome you, especially Mr Adrie Braat, a famous musician from the Dutch Swing College Band. This afternoon a classical music concert will be performed by the Trio D’Amour – a group of young and talented Thai musicians.

Trio d’amour
Ambassador Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Nataya Archjananun with Trio d’Amour the ensemble of talented young Thai Classical Music Artists consisting of Mr Nonthapat Chaiviratnukul, saxophone, Mr Teesin Puriwatthapong, violin, and Mr Chayuth Kaivihai, cello.

The concert is not just about showcasing musical abilities but also about celebrating the Thai New Year or Songkran. The Songkran festival is also celebrated in many countries in the region, including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, some parts of China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh (Pohela Boishakh), as well as India.

In the picture Nataya Archjananun, the spouse of Ireland ambassador and the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Mgr Paul Tschang In-Nam. Songkran 2023

In keeping with Thai tradition, on behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and as the coordinator of the Asia-Oceania Ambassadors group, we wish you all the best -happiness, health, and wealth throughout the year.”

The Ambassadors from Ireland, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and diplomats from other countries were in attendance. The performance went down well with the audience.

A reception buffet concluded the 2023 Songkran festivities.

H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Brendan Gerard Rogers, Ambassador of Ireland.

Mexico-German Business Council (MDEU) launches in Berlin

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Mexico-German Business Council (MDEU) launches in Berlin

Thurday, 20 April 2023, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: In the framework of the event, Nearshoring: competitiveness and Opportunities for Mexico in the new global scenario, which took place at the Mexican Chancery, the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) and the Mexican Embassy in Germany announced the establishment of the Mexico-Germany Business Council (MDEU) based in Berlin.

The Mexico-German Business Council is a joint effort that deepens the particular interests of the private sector between Mexico and Germany. The initiative was born as a collaborative effort (public and private sectors) to strengthen bilateral economic and educational cooperation, including empowering Mexican professionals, companies, and entrepreneurs residing in Germany.

Ambassador Francisco Quiroga & the visiting delegates.

At the launch event, key leaders from the German and Mexican public and private sector attended the event, including Francisco Quiroga, Ambassador of Mexico in Germany; Francisco Cervantes Diaz, President of the Mexican Business Coordinating Council (CCE); Friedolin Strack, Head of International Markets of Federation of German Industries (BDI), Samuel García, State Governor of Nuevo León; Berend Diekmann, Head of Mexico, USA, and Canada from the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Environment (BMWK); Raymond Wittmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CFO to BMW USA; Alexandra Decker, Head of Corporate Affairs of CEMEX Germany; Manuel Perez, Head Advisor to the CCE, and representatives from 8 State Governments in Mexico.

The Mexico-Germany Business Council or Mexiko Deutsche Unternehmervereinigung (MDEU) is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the bilateral economic cooperation and mutual understanding between the Mexican and German industries based on the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. This strategic council strives to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources for a more successful transition towards a sustainable, fair, and prosperous coexistence in both countries.

Mexico-German Business Council launch.

The council will be a crucial networking and support tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in achieving sustainable economic growth.

Its essential functions are:

●       Nearshoring: Working hand in hand with the public and private sectors in Mexico and Germany to conduct business meetings in Mexico, Germany, and the DACH region to explore nearshoring possibilities.

●       Industry 4.0 and Digitalization: Provide meaningful connections between Startups, Companies, and Governments to strengthen digitalization and the Industry 4.0 ecosystem.

●       Market Expansion Support: Assisting Mexican companies and entrepreneurs in their expansion to other markets and increasing their economic partnerships.

●       Bilateral Policy Advocacy: Working to promote and develop mutually beneficial economic policies between Mexico and Germany.

●       Empowering Strategic Economic Sectors: In alliance with the Mexican government at the federal, state, and municipal levels, together with the Mexican industry and private sector

●       International cooperation and development Training: Facilitating the landing of strategic cooperation programs and training representatives from both countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

The Chairman of the MDEU, Raymond Wittman, who is also the CFO of BMW USA highlighted the significant opportunities that this initiative offers to both Mexican and German industries and emphasized the effective commercial cooperation that exists between Mexico and Germany. He stressed that the establishment of MDEU will provide a significant boost to the economies of both countries as it aims to foster economic ties, and promote trade and investment to create new opportunities for businesses in both countries and help to drive growth and innovation.

The management of MDEU consists of Jorge Agraz, Managing Director; Marcelino Turati, the Deputy Managing Director, and Joachim Elsässer, who serves as Advisor.

The launch event provided an excellent opportunity for key industry leaders to network who demonstrated the strong support for increased collaboration between Mexico and Germany.

For further information 

Embassy of Mexico in Germany: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/alemania/index.php/es/ 

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Images courtesy of the Mexican Embassy in Germany 

ICC and Europol conclude Working Arrangement to enhance cooperation

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ICC and Europol conclude Working Arrangement to enhance cooperation

On 25 April 2023, judge Piotr Hofmański, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and Catherine De Bolle, the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation – Europol, signed a Working Arrangement at Europol Headquarters in The Hague (The Netherlands). The Arrangement provides a legal framework to establish cooperative relations between the ICC and Europol, for the two institutions to enhance their cooperation and encourage the exchange of information, knowledge, experience and expertise.

ICC President Piotr Hofmański said: “I look forward to the enhanced cooperation and interaction which will take place under this Working Arrangement. Europol’s expertise and specialist knowledge is world-leading and the ICC is fortunate to be able to benefit from it. I am confident that the strengthened relationship between the ICC and Europol can enhance the capacity of both our organizations to discharge their respective mandates aimed at ensuring that serious crimes do not go unpunished.”

Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle said: “The signature of this working arrangement is an important step forward for the international efforts to hold to account those guilty of some of the world’s worst crimes. At Europol, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide have been part of our mandate since 2017. We have received contributions on war crimes from over 20 different areas of conflict, such as Syria, Iraq, Libya and most recently Ukraine. This new level of cooperation with the ICC will allow for a more effective response to core international crimes, with all relevant actors working together and sharing information and resources to end impunity.”

Under this arrangement, the cooperation may include the exchange of specialist knowledge, evidence gathering, general situation reports, results of strategic analysis, information on criminal investigation procedures, information on crime prevention methods, the participation in training activities as well as providing advice and support in individual criminal investigations.

The ICC is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.

Europol is the European Union’s Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation. It serves as the center for law enforcement cooperation, analytical expertise and criminal intelligence in Europe.

Swedish Ambassador visits Europe Committee

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Swedish Ambassador visits Europe Committee

Tuesday, 18 April 2023, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany: The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Germany, Per Thöresson, attended the meeting of the European Committee of the Bürgerschaft  (City-State Assembly).

Thöresson spoke to the committee members about his home country’s programme for the EU Council Presidency. The meeting in the committee has become a tradition – for years, the ambassadors of the presidency countries have presented the programme there, most recently the Czech Ambassador Tomáš Kafka in October 2022.

Sweden had to fundamentally change its programme for the Council Presidency due to the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, said Thöresson at the beginning of his presentation. Supporting Ukraine is now the top priority, he said. “Ukraine is fighting our war. It is fighting for our liberal values. Putin must not win this war.”

Sweden has set the following themes as priorities for the Presidency:

Security – Unity
Resilience – Competitiveness
Prosperity – Green Change and Energy Transition
Democratic values and the rule of law – our foundation

Sweden’s 2023 Presidency is part of the eleventh Presidency trio that began in 2022 and also includes France and the Czech Republic. It is Sweden’s third Presidency after 2001 and 2009.

For further information 

Bremen City-State Assembly: https://www.bremische-buergerschaft.de/index.php?id=35&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1940&cHash=bab9f3d5585134473e91a7e35ae19c04

Photo’s caption: Ambassador Thöresson and the Chair of the Committee on Federal and European Affairs, International Contacts and Development, Susanne Grobien on the left – Picture by ‘Bremische Bürgerschaft’.

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