The European Union and eight European countries signed an additional protocol to the Council of Europe's Warsaw Convention in Strasbourg, seeking stronger international cooperation in tracing, freezing and confiscating criminal assets.
The protocol addresses cross-border financial investigations and the recovery of property linked to money laundering and other serious crimes, including crypto-assets.
It provides for closer cooperation between asset recovery authorities and includes provisions intended to support victims and legitimate owners when criminal proceeds are recovered.
The agreement requires ratification before entering into force. Its adoption reflects wider efforts to prevent criminal networks from benefiting from funds concealed or transferred across borders.
