CEPOL OTNA on Criminal finances, money laundering, and asset recovery

The OTNA on criminal finances, money laundering and asset recovery was launched in September 2023. The 24 EU Member States contributing to the analysis reported an immediate need for training for more than 26 000 LE professionals, which represents a significant demand across the EU. Based on the OTNA, the estimated number of LE professionals across the Union requiring training on topics related to criminal finances during 2025-2027 is more than 153 000 individuals.  

88% of law enforcement professionals participating in CEPOL's Operational Training Needs Analysis (OTNA) on criminal finances, money laundering and asset recovery indicated financial analysis methods, including cryptocurrencies and financial forensics, as the most pressing training need in fighting criminal finances. Financial investigation and asset trafficking, modi operandi, and use of modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, are close second with 83%. 

These highest-ranked topics underscore the growing sophistication of criminal activity, as it extends to the use of crypto assets, non-tangible tokens, and underground banking systems. Modern technologies, such as AI and open-source intelligence (OSINT), are continuously becoming more central to investigations, forcing a shift towards more tech-driven LE approaches. 

Criminal finances, together with money laundering and asset recovery, are central to many forms of organised crime. Our latest OTNA revealed seven topics that are the most relevant for EU-level training in those areas: 

The OTNA also identified three critical horizontal aspects that should be integrated into all training activities to ensure a comprehensive and forward-looking approach, equipping LE professionals with the skills to tackle evolving criminal challenges: High-risk criminal networks, lawful access to data, and crime prevention. 

The OTNA on criminal finances, money laundering and asset recovery was launched in September 2023. The 24 EU Member States contributing to the analysis reported an immediate need for training for more than 26 000 LE professionals, which represents a significant demand across the EU. Based on the OTNA, the estimated number of LE professionals across the Union requiring training on topics related to criminal finances during 2025-2027 is more than 153 000 individuals.  

Overall, the OTNA results highlight the central need for timely and targeted training programmes to equip LE professionals across the EU with the necessary skills to tackle complex criminal financial operations. With significant demand for training - especially for practitioners at various proficiency levels - and an emphasis on the judiciary sector and investigative roles, tailored training approaches are essential to address these pressing needs.