TRACFIN

TRACFIN, which stands for Traitement du Renseignement et Action contre les Circuits Financiers Clandestins, is the French financial intelligence unit. Established in 1973, its primary mission is to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. TRACFIN receives and analyzes suspicious transaction reports (STRs) filed by financial institutions and other designated professionals, such as lawyers and real estate agents. These reports are triggered by unusual or complex financial activities that could indicate illicit origins.

Upon receiving an STR, TRACFIN's analysts investigate the information, assessing its credibility and potential links to criminal activities. If a case is deemed to warrant further action, TRACFIN can transmit its findings to the relevant judicial or administrative authorities for investigation or prosecution. This includes forwarding information to the public prosecutor, tax authorities, or other specialized law enforcement agencies. TRACFIN also plays a role in international cooperation, exchanging information with financial intelligence units in other countries to combat cross-border financial crime. Its work contributes to the integrity of the French financial system and its efforts to counter illicit financial flows.