ABSTRACT
Although the word "network" can appear not to be very solemn in the context of law enforcement authorities, well defined and regulated networks are very useful tools to put specialised experts in contact. In cases of necessity experts can make contact directly and exchange information according to an agreed legal basis. Decision 2000/642/JHA makes a reference to the European Convention on Data Protection, its Protocol and Recommendation R(87) 15 as principles that have to be followed in information exchange between Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs). Decision 2007/845/JHA also allows the spontaneous provision of information between the aforementioned authorities when it is considered useful for the performance of the Asset Recovery Offices (ARO) functions of the receiving Member State. Although functioning under different legal bases and using different information exchange tools, networks of FIUs and AROs aim to combat illicit proceeds by their elimination from legal financial markets.
