By Martin Banks - 3rd April 2012
The committee is to evaluate the extent of organised crime's impact on the EU
EU parliament
Parliament has set up a special committee to investigate organised crime, corruption and money laundering.
As part of its mandate, the committee will recommend measures to tackle such crimes.
The committee will have a one-year mandate and is to start work by the end of this month.
Misappropriation of public funds, infiltration of the public sector, and contamination of the legal economy and financial system are said to be some of the key threats posed by criminal organisations in the EU.
A parliament spokesman said, "Within the time limit of its mandate, the committee is to evaluate the extent of organised crime's impact on the EU economy and society.
"The special committee will recommend legislative and other measures to enable the EU to respond to these threats at international, European and national levels."
MEPs will hear submissions from a range of people, including judges, victims, civil society bodies and institutions
The committee, whose mandate can be extended once, will have the power to make on-site visits and hold hearings with EU and national institutions from all over the world.
MEPs may invite representatives of business and civil society and victims' organisations and officials involved in the daily fight against organised crime, corruption and money laundering.
