A secret WhatsApp group called 'Traders of Greater Europe' has been uncovered by investigators, revealing a large-scale money-laundering network that facilitated the movement of hundreds of millions of euros using the traditional hawala system. The group, which had 532 members, used photographs of five-euro notes and ID cards as unique identifiers for transactions, allowing transfers across borders without leaving a trace in conventional banking systems. According to the investigation by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the network was involved in funding terrorism, including sending money to Islamic State militants in Syria, as well as human trafficking and drug trade. Belgian investigator Vincent Guerra described the scale of transactions as 'astonishing,' noting that the network operated globally and at a professional level comparable to banks. The discovery began with an investigation into terrorist financing but expanded to reveal a vast web of financial activity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual findings from an investigative report without overtly favoring any side. It quotes officials like Vincent Guerra and references the BBC, providing balanced information on the scope and implications of the discovered network. There is no evident ideological framing or slm




