Financial Transparency Coalition

BRUSSELS - Money launderers, corrupt politicians, tax dodgers and traffickers of all sorts rely on the same things to move their ill-gotten gains. They need legal structures that allow them to hide their identity. This often happens through anonymous companies whose beneficial ownership is hidden. European leaders have a unique chance to curb these shell companies in the ongoing review of the European Union’s anti-money laundering rules. To ensure cash or assets are efficiently processed, corrupt officials and politicians require professional bankers, lawyers and accountants willing to help them.

Stefanie Ostfeld and Dietlind Lerner co-authored the below Op-Ed appearing on CNN’s website. (CNN) — Last winter, the Chicago Crime Commission and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration named Mexican billionaire Guzman Loera the city’s “Public Enemy No. 1.” Also known as “Shorty,” Guzman heads the world’s largest narcotics operation, the infamous Sinaloa cartel, and allegedly