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AQUAPOL brings together EU countries’ national maritime and inland water law enforcement agencies, providing a forum for an exchange of know-how and good practice. The goal is a more effective and common approach to securing international shipping.
Some 32 illegally trafficked artifacts were seized in this joint customs operation which, as the first such operation combating illegal trafficking of cultural goods in the EU, increased awareness of this phenomenon and techniques to prevent it.
A seminar provided a platform for analysis and discussions of new challenges in customs safety and security among EU stakeholders. Attendees at the event organised by the Spanish Customs and Excise Department of the Tax Agency were also able to exchange experiences.
Enhancing cooperation between national customs services and police forces facilitates the exchange of information and best practice. This in turn leads to greater expertise on illegal activities affecting the logistics chain.
Operation Memory identified over 100 vehicles illegally using heating oil as fuel, and interrupted the illegal cross-border trade in mineral oils within the EU.
Over EUR 45 000 000 in cross border cash transfers were detected during the year-long Operation Athena, which saw the customs authorities from 28 countries working together to detect and seize crime funds moving across borders.
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