Europol arrests 36, breaks up drugs, money ringNovember 29, 2016 - 18:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Police have arrested 36 people, seized gold, cocaine, automatic weapons and millions of euros as they broke up a drugs and money-laundering ring operating between Morocco and Europe, Europol said Tuesday, November 29, The Associated Press reports. The suspects and evidence were picked up last week in raids involving some 450 officers throughout France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Europol said the crime gang was using cars to move cash from drugs sold in France to Belgium and the Netherlands. It said that more than 1 million euros was moved each month. The cash was sent to Morocco via the Middle East using "unregulated financial channels." Belgian authorities said up to 400 million euros' worth of drug money was transferred between cities. The Brussels prosecutor's office said large sums were sent through Dubai and laundered by front companies in Casablanca. Europol said a total of 5.5 million euros in cash was seized, as well as 800,000 euros' worth of gold, 20 kilograms of cocaine and three semi-automatic weapons. In Belgium alone, 11 police raids involving almost 100 officers netted almost 3 million euros, seven vehicles, 78 pieces of computer equipment and two firearms. Seven people were detained. Luxury goods like Louis Vuitton bags and Rolex watches were also seized, as well as four boxes of cash at one location containing 2.5 million euros. Authorities reported 23 transports from Belgium to the Netherlands over one two-month period in early 2016. The ring came to the attention of an investigative judge in the southern French city of Marseille after two French nationals were picked up in June 2015 near Avignon, further north, transporting a large sum of money. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |