# Chasing Grand Corruption: Hurdles to detection, investigation and prosecution of complex cases across the EU URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/chasing-grand-corruption Type: Publication or report Published: 2025-10-15 Updated: 2025-11-03 --- 15 October 2025 Investigating and prosecuting cross-border corruption remains a steeplechase with many hurdles to jump for law enforcement in the EU. Despite progress strengthening rules and improving cooperation, enforcement lags behind the speed and complexity of transnational corruption schemes. Drawing on surveys and in-depth interviews with law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities in nine EU countries, this report explores the practical barriers that hinder investigations into corruption-related money laundering. The findings reveal a shared set of obstacles – from limited resources and outdated technology to restrictive interpretations of data protection and professional privilege rules – that slow or even prevent effective enforcement. The analysis traces every stage of the investigative process: how corruption is detected, when and how investigations are launched, and what happens as cases move through national law enforcement systems. It also identifies how performance metrics, time limits and political sensitivities may disincentivise authorities from pursuing complex, high-level corruption cases. By highlighting both weaknesses and good practices, the report shows how enforcement authorities can be better equipped, trained and empowered to act. It concludes with concrete recommendations for EU institutions and member states to strengthen capacity, improve cooperation and close the enforcement gaps that allow kleptocrats and their enablers to operate with impunity. See also: - Feature article: [One click away? The barriers investigators face across the EU when tracing asset ownership](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/barriers-investigators-face-across-eu-tracing-asset-ownership) ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Strengthening Public Oversight: Good practices for partnerships between civil society and supreme audit institutions](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/strengthening-public-oversight-good-practices-for-partnerships-between-civil-society-and-supreme-audit-institutions) Publication • 29 May 2026 Stronger collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions and Civil Society Organisations is needed for better public financial oversight. ## Priorities - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) ## Countries - [France](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/france) - [Germany](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/germany) - [Ireland](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/ireland) - [Italy](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/italy) - [Latvia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/latvia) - [Lithuania](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/lithuania) - [Portugal](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/portugal) - [Slovenia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/slovenia) - [Spain](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/spain) ## Regions - [European Union](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/european-union) ## Projects - [Strengthened enforcement capacities of public authorities (STEP EU)](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/strengthened-enforcement-capacities-of-public-authorities-step-eu) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Chasing-Grand-Corruption-cover-2025_2025-10-15-140529_tjcm.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Report-Chasing-Grand-Corruption-English-2025-Oct.pdf)