The laundering of the profits of crime, allowing illegally acquired resources to enter the legitimate money system, is a key element of organised criminal activity. The proper enforcement of laws to prevent money laundering can greatly help to identify criminals and also act as a major deterrent to crime in the first place – if the profits of a crime cannot be realised, then the crime itself generally becomes pointless.

Under Phase I of the Programme Crown Agents supported Bulgarian Government’s efforts for combating money laundering through:

• Review of money laundering legislation
• Review of existing control mechanisms
• Advice on the development and implementation of new and improved strategies and action plans
• Assistance with the development of more effective controls on money laundering
• Training and development of staff
• Assistance with the identification and reporting of money laundering offences
• Support for the design and delivery of an Awareness-Raising Campaign