THEORETICAL AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLABORATION IN COMBATING ECONOMIC CRIME IN EUROPE

##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##

##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.sidebar##

Published: Oct 9, 2025

  Valentyn Fedorov

  Iryna Antoshyna

  Ruslan Biriukov

Abstract

The subject of this study is the legal and theoretical foundations of law enforcement co-operation in Europe in combatting economic crime, with a particular focus on the co-operation of these bodies with the relevant Ukrainian authorities. The research examines legal systems across various regions of the world, with a focus on the obstacles that hinder effective collaboration. This emphasises the necessity for consistent methodologies in addressing the challenges posed by economic crime. The primary objective of the study is to establish a framework for law enforcement agencies in Europe to collaborate in the fight against economic crime. The focal point of this study is the interaction between Ukraine and the EU, with particular emphasis on Ukraine's growing integration into European political, economic, and cultural frameworks. The objective of the present article is to ascertain the fundamental concepts, legal instruments and challenges, and subsequently to propose solutions for the enhancement of collaboration. This is particularly important given that Ukraine wants to join the European Union and must address issues such as corruption within its own borders. Methodology. The article uses a combination of general scientific methods and specific legal approaches. It primarily examines how international and European Union legislation, including Council of Europe conventions and EU directives, compares with state laws. It provides a systematic analysis of the roles of Europol, Interpol, Eurojust and other institutional structures. The study also examines data from reports by foreign organisations and case studies of collaborative investigations, as well as reviewing Ukraine's law enforcement changes through case studies. This ensures that both the theoretical and practical aspects of collaboration are examined in depth. The findings demonstrate that people can work together more easily when solid legislative frameworks are in place, such as EU directives and Council of Europe treaties, as well as institutional mechanisms like SIENA and joint investigative teams. However, difficulties arise in relation to legislation, business practices and technology, particularly when it comes to tackling cybercrime. Ukraine must comply with EU regulations and collaborate more closely with Europol and Eurojust. This is crucial. Ideas for tackling economic crime in Europe include harmonising legislation, investing in technology and empowering Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities.

How to Cite

Fedorov, V., Antoshyna, I., & Biriukov, R. (2025). THEORETICAL AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLABORATION IN COMBATING ECONOMIC CRIME IN EUROPE. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, 11(4), 177-185. https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2025-11-4-177-185
Article views: 44 | PDF Downloads: 18

##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##

Keywords

international economic security, state economic security, Interpol, Europol, economic crime, crime prevention, international co-operation in the prevention and combatting crime

References

Arakelian, M., Behruz, H., & Biriukov, R. (2025). International co‑operation of law enforcement bodies of states in the sphere of ensuring economic security. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, 11(2), 104–111. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2025-11-2-104-111

Bundesgesetzblatt (2017). Gesetz zur Umsetzung der Vierten EU-Geldwäscherichtlinie. Available at: https://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesgesetzblatt

Caianiello, M. (2022). The role of the EU in the investigation of serious international crimes committed in Ukraine: Towards a new model of cooperation? European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, 30(3–4), 219–237. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/15718174-30030002

Code Monétaire et Financier (2020). Législation française sur la lutte contre le blanchiment d'argent. Available at: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/id/LEGISCTA000006150828/

Council of Europe (1959). European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. Available at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/030

Council of Europe (1990). Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime. Available at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/141

Eurojust (2019). Annual Report 2019: Supporting judicial authorities in the fight against cross-border crime. Available at: https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/annual-report-2019

Eurojust (2020). Annual Report 2020: Strengthening judicial cooperation. Available at: https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/annual-report-2020

Eurojust (2024). Eurojust Strategy on Cooperation with International Partners 2024–2027. Available at: https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/sites/default/files/assets/eurojust-strategy-on-cooperation-with-international-partners-2024-2027.pdf

European Union (2002). Council Framework Decision 2002/465/JHA of 13 June 2002 on joint investigation teams. Official Journal of the European Union, L 162/1. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32002F0465

European Union (2002). Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States. Official Journal of the European Union, L 190/1. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32002F0584

European Union (2014). Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part. Official Journal of the European Union, L 161/3. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A22014A0529%2801%29

European Union (2014). Directive 2014/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters. Official Journal of the European Union, L 130/1. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014L0041

European Union (2014). Directive 2014/42/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the freezing and confiscation of instrumentalities and proceeds of crime in the European Union. Official Journal of the European Union, L 127/39. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014L0042

European Union (2015). Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing. Official Journal of the European Union, L 141/73. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32015L0849

European Union (2018). Directive (EU) 2018/843 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive (EU) 2015/849. Official Journal of the European Union, L 156/43. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018L0843

European Union (2018). Regulation (EU) 2018/1805 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 on the mutual recognition of freezing orders and confiscation orders. Official Journal of the European Union, L 303/1. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018R1805

Europol (2016). Agreement on Operational and Strategic Cooperation between Ukraine and Europol. Available at: https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/strategic-agreements

Europol (2021). 800 criminals arrested in biggest ever law enforcement operation against encrypted communication. Available at: https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/800-criminals-arrested-in-biggest-ever-law-enforcement-operation-against-encrypted-communication

Europol (2022). Economic crime: A threat to European financial stability. Available at: https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime-areas-and-statistics/crime-areas/economic-crime

FATF (2020). International standards on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism & proliferation. Available at: https://www.fatf-gafi.org/publications/fatfrecommendations/documents/fatf-recommendations.html

Jeronimo, A. (2019). The globalization effect of law and economic on cybercrime. Jurnal Pembaharuan Hukum, 6(3), 384–395. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26532/jph.v6i3.10933

Pasechnyk, O., Fedorova, T., & Biriukov, R. (2025). International legal co-operation in combating economic crime. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, 11(1), 174–180. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2025-11-1-174-180

Ryder, N. (2015). The financial war on terrorism: A review of counter-terrorist financing strategies since 2001. London: Routledge

State Financial Monitoring Service of Ukraine (2020). Annual Report 2020. Available at: https://fiu.gov.ua/pages/dijalnist/funkcional/zviti-pro-diyalnist/2020-rik/richnij-zvit-derzhfinmonitoringu-za-2020-rik.html

Transparency International (2021). Corruption Perceptions Index 2020. Available at: https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2020

Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (2015). Agreement Between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Poland on Co-operation in Combating Organised Crime. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/616_049#Text

UN Office for Drugs and Crime (2005). Economic and Financial Crimes: Challenges to Sustainable Development. Factsheet 5. Available at: https://unis.unvienna.org/pdf/05-82108_E_5_pr_SFS.pdf

The Law of Ukraine "On Prevention and Counteraction to Legalisation (Laundering) of Criminal Proceeds, Terrorist Financing and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction". The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR), 2020, No. 25, Article 171. Available at: https://fiu.gov.ua/assets/userfiles/200/Acts%20of%20the%20Parliament%20of%20Ukraine/ENG_BASIC%20LAW%20as%20of%2001.08.2022.pdf

Wabwile, N. M. (2015). Transnational Corruption, Violations of Human Rights and States’ Extraterritorial Responsibility: A Case for International Action Strategies. African Journal of Legal Studies, 8(1-2), 87–114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/17087384-12342060