European officials have warned that European security is at risk because some low-tax European countries sell their passports or "citizenship" to wealthy criminals.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has issued a black list of 21 countries working on the so-called "Golden Passport Scheme", a passport or permanent residence permit for wealthy people who wish to invest in large amounts in those countries, Freedom of movement throughout the continent
The sale of "citizenship" or passports to these countries undermines international efforts to prevent tax evasion, because the sale of nationalities provides smugglers of tax and wealthy criminals safe havens to hide from the eyes of the security services, and allows them to launder their money through the legal possession of real estate or the deposit of funds in Banks or buy government bonds.
Malta, Cyprus and Monaco have been granted citizenship to hundreds of potential criminals, according to the Daily Mail website.
EU Justice Commissioner Vera Girouva warned on Monday that such plans to sell citizenship and permanent residency posed a threat to each EU country.
"We have legitimate concerns, because if a dangerous person in a country gets the nationality of a European country, he gets European citizenship in general, which makes it easier for him to enter any member state," she told the Guardian. The EU is in trouble. "
The "Golden Passport Plan", which usually attracts wealthy people, includes buying real estate or government shares, depositing money in banks and sometimes doing charitable work.
The organization's security experts believe criminals are exploiting the "golden passport" plans to conceal money for tax evasion or escape from security services in other countries.
It is noteworthy that Malta gives its nationality to the donor to the National Development Fund for an estimated amount of 650 thousand pounds, and the purchase of property up to 350 thousand pounds.
According to the International Monetary Fund, 800 wealthy people received Maltese citizenship within just 3 years, their Gala from Russia and China.
In Cyprus, anyone who invests £ 2 million in real estate, equity, government bonds, or business will receive permanent residence.
The Monaco residency program provides for a deposit of half a million euros or a purchase of a property worth 500,000 euros.
To obtain a first-class investor visa in Britain, individuals must invest up to £ 2 million in government bonds and business in Britain
