European Union: Criminal Law

Guillermo Meilán presenta la nueva newsletter del área de Penal Económico e Investigaciones de Pérez-Llorca, analizando las principales novedades jurisprudenciales y legislativas del primer semestre de 2026.

Luxembourg authorities have discontinued a criminal investigation into potential EU sanctions violations by Spacety Luxembourg SA, a Chinese satellite firm that was subsequently placed into liquidation. The case was closed after mutual legal assistance requests were made, though details about the responses and recipient countries remain unclear.

Austrian authorities have uncovered a sophisticated international procurement network allegedly supplying CNC machines and metal processing tools to Russia's state-owned arms manufacturer ROSTEC, circumventing export controls through forged end-user certificates and a web of companies across multiple countries. The investigation has revealed exports valued at €3.3 million, with goods reportedly used in producing engines for missiles and fighter jets, leading to the arrest of a Belarussian national who

Belgium's new Private Investigations Act fundamentally transforms how companies must conduct internal investigations, establishing comprehensive legal requirements for everything from fraud inquiries to HR incidents.

Sverige skärper sin korruptionslagstiftning med nya regler som trädde i kraft den 1 augusti, samtidigt som ett EU-direktiv kräver ytterligare förändringar med betydande konsekvenser för företag. De nya bestämmelserna utvidgar det straffrättsliga ansvaret för tjänstemän och förtroendevalda, medan kommande EU-krav innebär sanktionsavgifter på upp till fem procent av global årsomsättning eller 40 miljoner euro. Företag be

Guillermo Meilán presenta la nueva newsletter del área de Penal Económico e Investigaciones de Pérez-Llorca, analizando las principales novedades jurisprudenciales y legislativas del primer semestre de 2026.

Belgium has significantly strengthened its sanctions enforcement framework through revised legislation that entered into force on 1 September 2026. The new Economic Sanctions Law grants authorities broader investigative powers, establishes a dedicated sanctions investigation team, and dramatically increases both administrative and criminal penalties for violations of EU economic sanctions.

When a foreign national is detained in Cyprus, their first court appearance becomes a critical juncture where decisions about continued detention, bail conditions, or travel restrictions are made. The court weighs multiple factors including the severity of allegations, investigation status, and the individual's ties to Cyprus, while early legal representation proves essential in navigating these proceedings. Understanding how passport status and departure plans influence detention decisions can significantl

Foreign nationals arrested in Cyprus face significant challenges including language barriers, unfamiliar legal procedures, and limited access to documentation. Understanding the immediate priorities, securing proper legal representation, and knowing how to coordinate with families and overseas advisers can be critical to protecting rights and preparing an effective defense.