The Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU) has announced a strategic partnership with Gibraltar’s INTERPOL sub-bureau to enhance the fight against financial crime through the INTERPOL’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

This collaboration will  strengthen Gibraltar’s ability to swiftly identify, freeze, and recover illicit funds before criminals can  move them beyond reach. 

Through I-GRIP, the GFIU will be able to take immediate action on suspicious transactions in  coordination with INTERPOL and international law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the GFIU  will use its suspension order powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing it to suspend  transactions linked to suspected criminal activity and prevent the dissipation of illicit funds.  

I-GRIP is an advanced global stop-payment system designed to intervene rapidly in cases of fraud,  money laundering, business email compromise and other financial crimes. By integrating this  system into its operations, the GFIU and the Royal Gibraltar Police’s Economic Crime Unit will have  direct access to INTERPOL’s international network, enabling real-time data sharing and cross border collaboration to stop suspicious financial flows. 

This initiative aligns with the GFIU’s strategic plan and its strong commitment to its membership of  the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC) where INTERPOL’s partnership  has demonstrated I-GRIP’s effectiveness. The GFIU is also committed to preventing criminals from  exploiting financial systems, and ensuring that victims have a greater chance of recovering stolen  assets. 

As financial crimes become more sophisticated, the GFIU and Law Enforcement Agencies will  continue to invest in advanced technology, intelligence-sharing, and cross-border cooperation to  ensure a strong response to emerging threats. The use of I-GRIP reinforces Gibraltar’s role in  international efforts to safeguard financial security and support victims of fraud. 

Director of the GFIU, Edgar Lopez, emphasised that: “This collaboration with INTERPOL represents  another step forward in our ability to combat economic crime. The ability to act swiftly is critical in  preventing illicit funds from being moved beyond reach. By combining I-GRIP and our suspension  order powers, we are strengthening our financial defences, ensuring that criminals cannot profit  from their activities. More importantly, we are enhancing support for victims by improving the  chances of asset recovery.”

The Commissioner of Police, Richard Ullger, also welcomed the initiative. He said: "Financial crime  is a growing threat, often involving international networks that seek to exploit legal and  jurisdictional gaps. By joining forces with INTERPOL and integrating I-GRIP into our enforcement  strategy, we are reinforcing our ability to disrupt criminal activities, giving our officers at the  Economic Crime Unit another tool at their disposal."