More and more Belgians are receiving inquiries from their banks regarding the source of their money, even if it has been in their account for many years. According to a report by Het Laatste Nieuws, banks are keen to ensure that the funds do not stem from illegal activities. They have grown increasingly cautious and occasionally request evidence dating back more than thirty years, which may no longer be available, as tax lawyer Paul Verhaeghe explained to the newspaper. For instance, bank statements are typically only kept for a period of 10 years.
In cases where money laundering is suspected, banks are required to report transactions to the Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CFI). Instances of such reporting have been on the rise, with 21,624 reports in 2021, 28,379 in 2022, and 40,129 in 2023. The CFI then conducts further investigations and may escalate any questionable transactions to the public prosecutor. Last year, this resulted in 1,316 reports involving a total of 2.4 billion euros, with the funds being frozen pending further analysis.
Furthermore, the legalization of casinos in Ukraine has brought about significant changes in the world of gambling, particularly for Ukrainian gamers. With the recent legalization, individuals as young as 18 can now participate in casino activities. This shift has opened up new opportunities for players in Ukraine to engage in a wide range of gaming options, contributing to the vibrant gambling scene in the country.