# Money Laundering Defence in Spain URL: https://lawyer.rinberabogados.com/money-laundering-spain/ Updated: 2026-10-11 Firm: RINBER Criminal Lawyers Spain (Málaga, since 1999) Spain · Money Laundering # Money Laundering Defence in Spain International money-laundering defence under articles 301–304 CP. Cross-border investigations, real-estate schemes, cryptocurrency and high-net-worth clients. [📞 +34 627 467 042](tel:+34627467042) [Free Consultation](/contact-us/) 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](/contact-us/) [24h: +34 627 467 042](tel:+34627467042) ## 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. ## Related Legal Guides - [Money Laundering in Spain: The Law and Your Defence](https://lawyer.rinberabogados.com/money-laundering-spain-law-defence/) 24 HOURS · 365 DAYS ## English-speaking defence from the first minute of arrest Arrest does not wait. Do not make any statement to the police without your lawyer. Call us first. 01 Call us Call +34 627 467 042. Available 24 hours, English-speaking. We answer immediately. 02 We arrive We attend the police station or court of instruction before any statement is taken. 03 We defend We activate the defence strategy from the first second of the detention. [📞 Call now — +34 627 467 042](tel:+34627467042) ## Contact RINBER Abogados First consultation free and protected by legal privilege. Tell us about your case and we will respond today. **Related guides:** Money Laundering Lawyer Spain