Today in Brussels, during a joint meeting of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament, an exchange of views took place with Bruna Szego, Chair of the Office for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (AMLA). PiS MEP Mariusz Kamiński spoke during the discussion, drawing attention to the growing security threats in Europe and the need to strengthen EU mechanisms to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The Polish politician also described the scandal involving money laundering by former Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
The MEP pointed out that for many months, Russian intelligence services have been carrying out terrorist-related activities on the territory of European Union member states, including Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. He noted that the attacks targeted critical infrastructure facilities, shopping centers, and airports. In light of this, he called for Russia and Belarus, which supports it, to be designated as high-risk countries in the areas of money laundering and terrorist financing. He asked the AMLA chairwoman what measures her agency is taking in this regard.
In the next part of his speech, Kamiński addressed the scandal involving former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, who has been charged with money laundering. Kamiński emphasized that, according to media reports, these activities allegedly took place both before he assumed the role of commissioner and while he was in office. Reynders allegedly laundered money through lotteries and the art trade. He also maintained close ties with Russians, including oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is subject to U.S. and European sanctions. In light of this, he asked whether AMLA is monitoring the case.
In conclusion, MEP Mariusz Kamiński called for greater transparency within EU institutions. He asked whether candidates for the highest positions in the European Union should be required to undergo a mandatory vetting process to verify their assets and the legality of their sources of wealth before assuming public office.
