Money Laundering Defence in Spain

Reviewed by Manuel Rincón Bernal, member of the Málaga Bar (ICAMálaga) since 1999. Last updated 11 October 2026.

Criminal Defence Spain

Money Laundering Defence in Spain

Money laundering (blanqueo de capitales) is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in Spain, often linked to drug trafficking and organised crime investigations. RINBER has defended individuals, businesses and financial professionals against money laundering allegations for over 25 years.

Money Laundering Law in Spain

Money laundering is defined in Articles 301–304 of Spain’s Penal Code as acquiring, converting, transmitting or concealing assets known to come from a serious criminal activity. The offence carries:

• 6 months to 6 years in prison for basic money laundering
• Up to 9 years when the offence is committed through an organisation, or by professionals (lawyers, accountants, estate agents)
• Full asset confiscation (comiso) of laundered funds
• Unlimited fines (multa proporcional)
• Disqualification from professional practice

Spain has one of Europe’s most active anti-money laundering enforcement systems, with SEPBLAC (Spain’s financial intelligence unit), the Tax Agency, and specialised prosecutors working together. Many investigations are triggered by FATF reports, Interpol alerts or international mutual legal assistance requests.

Who Gets Charged?

Money laundering prosecutions in Spain target:

• Business owners and company directors accused of using businesses to move illicit funds
• Property investors — especially on the Costa del Sol and in Madrid — accused of purchasing real estate with criminal proceeds
• Financial intermediaries, advisers and bankers
• Lawyers and accountants accused of facilitating transactions
• Family members of primary defendants accused of receiving or concealing funds
• Cryptocurrency traders and exchange operators

Our Defence Approach

Manuel Rincón Bernal has defended complex money laundering cases before the Audiencia Nacional, Spain’s specialist court for large-scale financial crime. His approach includes:

• Establishing legitimate origin of funds through documentary and expert evidence
• Challenging the predicate offence — if the underlying crime cannot be proved, money laundering often fails
• Contesting the chain of custody for seized financial records
• Negotiating voluntary return of funds to mitigate sentences
• Defending professionals who may have unknowingly processed suspect transactions
• International asset recovery defence where foreign jurisdictions are involved

Under Investigation for Money Laundering in Spain?

Early legal advice is critical in money laundering investigations. Contact our team now.

Free Consultation 24h: +34 627 467 042

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my bank account be unfrozen while the investigation is ongoing?

Yes, in many cases a lawyer can request a partial release of funds for living expenses or business operations, or challenge the freeze order directly before the investigating judge.

Do I need to have committed the underlying crime to be charged with money laundering?

No. Spanish law only requires that you knew, or should reasonably have known, the funds came from criminal activity — you can be prosecuted for laundering even without being charged with the predicate offence.

What happens if I am a foreign national with assets in Spain?

Foreign nationals face the same procedure as Spanish residents, but international asset freezes and mutual legal assistance requests between countries can complicate and extend the case. Having a Spain-based lawyer coordinate directly with the court is essential.

How long does a money laundering case typically take in Spain?

Straightforward cases can resolve within one to two years; complex cases involving the Audiencia Nacional, multiple jurisdictions, or corporate structures can take three years or longer.

What should I do if I am under investigation for money laundering in Spain?

Seek specialist criminal defence advice immediately and before speaking to investigators. Do not transfer, sell or otherwise deal with any assets under scrutiny. Instruct a lawyer who specialises in money laundering law. RINBER Abogados provide representation from the investigation stage through to trial, including in multi-jurisdictional cases.

Can a lawyer, accountant or financial advisor be prosecuted for money laundering in Spain?

Yes. Professionals who handle funds without adequate due diligence can face criminal prosecution in Spain for negligent money laundering (blanqueo de capitales por imprudencia grave). RINBER Abogados regularly defend both individuals and professionals — including lawyers, accountants and real estate advisors — facing such charges.

What counts as money laundering under Spanish law?

Under Article 301 of the Spanish Criminal Code, money laundering covers acquiring, possessing, using, converting, transmitting or concealing assets that are known, or should have been known, to derive from criminal activity. Spanish law also criminalises negligent money laundering — where a person fails to make adequate enquiries before handling funds.

What is the penalty for money laundering in Spain?

Money laundering in Spain (Article 301 of the Criminal Code) carries 6 months to 6 years imprisonment for basic offences. Aggravated offences — involving organised crime, public officials, or large sums — carry 6ₓ12 years. Confiscation of the laundered assets and associated property is standard, and fines can be two to three times the value laundered.

Related Legal Guides

• Money Laundering in Spain: The Law and Your Defence

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Related guides: Money Laundering Lawyer Spain