With the rapid advancement of digital technology and electronic transactions, international financial crime continues to rise. Offenses such as money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, corruption, and tax evasion present serious challenges for businesses, fiscal authorities, and governments worldwide. At the same time, the number of individuals and companies wrongfully accused of international financial crimes is also increasing. In many cases, individuals only learn of accusations against them when they are detained, for instance at an airport, on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we understand the gravity of allegations of this nature and are committed to providing experienced and informed legal defense. If you are facing accusations of international financial crime, contact our extradition lawyers in Germany today through our secure contact form.

The pursuit of individuals suspected of international financial crime by Interpol and national authorities continues to intensify. EMPACT, the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats, has identified fraud and financial crime as one of the EU’s top priorities in combating serious and organized crime. Interpol has also established a dedicated Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC) to coordinate the international response to financial crime. The IFCACC provides member states with investigative, analytical, and operational support, and works alongside key bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units.
In a recent operation involving 60 national law enforcement agencies, Interpol targeted growing cyber threats across 55 countries, resulting in 30 house searches, 31 detentions, and the identification of 70 suspects. For individuals subject to Interpol searches in connection with financial crime allegations, the risk of arrest and extradition is real and immediate.

International financial crime takes many forms. Understanding the nature of the allegations you face is an important first step in building an effective defense.

• Large-scale online fraud schemes involve the deception of victims through digital channels to unlawfully obtain their assets. These schemes generate billions of euros in illegal profits each year and typically target companies, public institutions, and individuals. Criminals frequently operate across borders and move stolen funds rapidly to obstruct asset tracing, with cryptocurrency adding further complexity to recovery efforts.
• Fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash payments encompasses the hacking or manipulation of payment systems to transfer funds illegally, as well as the theft, forgery, and unauthorized use of payment cards, mobile payments, virtual currencies, and electronic wallets.
• Money laundering, including through cryptocurrency and NFTs, exploits the anonymity, decentralization, and speed of digital assets. Cryptocurrency is used both to launder funds already in digital form and to convert cash into virtual assets. Specialized money laundering networks now offer large-scale laundering services using cryptocurrency, prompting the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to launch a dedicated project on the issue.
• Excise fraud primarily involves alcohol, fuel, and tobacco products subject to excise duties. Organized crime groups use methods such as smuggling and illegal importation to avoid duties and undercut legitimate market prices. Excise fraud also includes the unlawful manufacturing of excise goods.