Financial Investigations and Criminal Money

Abstract

This article starts with a short introduction to the department of the Dutch Fiscal Investigation and Information Service (FIOD). There will be an introduction on financial investigations in general, a definition and goals. Attention will also be given to the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force. There are two examples of financial investigations, one in the area of so‐called ‘organised crime’ and one in the area of ‘organisational crime’. These examples make clear that financial investigations can be a successful investigation method. Through the use of this method both tactical information and evidence are given. The examples will also show that financial investigations may have to be connected to other forms of investigation: the use of informers, surveillance, wire tapping and crown witnesses. They will also make clear that, from the point of view of a financial investigator, there is no big or relevant distinction in the way of tackling these sorts of crime.