The European Parliament's Special Committee on the Housing Crisis held an exchange of views on 24 June 2026 with Europol, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), and member state representatives on how criminal activities distort housing markets. Chair Irene Tinagli opened the session, stressing the need to understand the mechanisms by which crime affects affordability and market integrity.
Luděk Niedermayer (EPP, ECON Vice-Chair) highlighted money laundering in real estate as a major threat, pointing to the 2024 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) package, which strengthens controls on beneficial ownership and cash transactions. Alexander Resch of Europol detailed how organised crime uses residential and commercial properties for drug labs, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, fraud call centres, and counterfeiting. He stressed that real estate agents and notaries must improve reporting of suspicious transactions. Marius Bulancea of EPPO presented cases of EU funds diverted from housing renovation in Czechia, Bulgaria, Italy, and France, and noted that one criminal group owned 150 properties used to launder proceeds. He called for fraud-proofing housing policies, greater real estate transparency, and better data access for investigators.
Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D) warned against deregulation without controls, arguing that simplification risks enabling fraud. Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR) asked about legal measures to combat housing crime. Both Europol and EPPO supported the AML package but urged stronger enforcement and asset recovery. The committee will continue examining criminal impacts on housing affordability. Affected stakeholders include EU citizens, housing authorities, real estate professionals, and law enforcement.