02 · Assets & economy
Economic crimes
Specialized technical defense against complex economic investigations.
The area
Criminal defense in economic crimes
Economic crimes often involve extensive investigations, abundant documentary and expert evidence, and the participation of multiple oversight bodies. Each step demands technical handling and a precise understanding of the financial and accounting framework.
At TREU Abogados we conduct the defense of individuals and legal entities under investigation, as well as the representation of victims, designing rigorous strategies aimed at protecting their interests at every stage of the proceeding.
Every case demands a different strategy. The difference lies not only in knowing the law, but in knowing how to build a theory of the case capable of withstanding every stage of the criminal proceeding.
How we work
How we handle your case
Comprehensive legal analysis
We carry out a complete study of the facts, the available evidence and the procedural situation to identify risks and opportunities and to define the most suitable strategy from the outset.
Procedural strategy design
Every proceeding requires its own planning. We build a solid theory of the case, determine the relevant means of evidence and establish the best legal course to protect our client’s interests.
Ongoing defense and representation
We accompany every stage of the criminal procedure, from the preliminary investigation to the final resolution, providing technical, strategic and results-oriented representation.
Scope of defense
Offenses we handle
In the area of economic crimes, we take on your defense or representation in these offenses.
Tap any offense to see what it involves and the penalty under the COIP.
Economic panic
Publishing or spreading false news that harms the national economy in order to alter the prices of goods or services to benefit a specific sector, market or product.
Penalty: 5 to 7 years in prison.
Art. 307 COIP
Usury
Lending money, directly or through others, at an interest rate higher than the law allows. It also covers disguising such a loan as another transaction, such as a sham sale. The judge orders that anything mortgaged or pledged, and everything paid unlawfully, be returned to the victim.
Penalty: 5 to 7 years in prison; 7 to 10 if more than five people are harmed.
Art. 309 COIP
Concealment of information
Hiding from partners, shareholders or creditors economic or financial information that one is required to provide. It applies to legal representatives, directors, managers or officers of entities that regularly take in money from the public on a large scale.
Penalty: 3 to 5 years in prison.
Art. 311 COIP
Securities fraud
Deception or abuse in the securities market, for example carrying out sham stock transactions or fraudulently setting securities prices, misusing money or shares entrusted by others for investment, or having a bankrupt company issue or trade securities.
Penalty: 3 to 5 years in prison.
Art. 313 COIP
Money laundering
Holding, moving, investing or hiding money or assets of unlawful origin, or making them look legitimate. For example, lending your name or your company for these transactions, bringing illicit money into or out of the country, or overstating the value of goods to justify funds.
Penalty: depending on the amount and method, 5 to 7 years in prison if under 100 basic salaries, up to 19 to 22 years if over 200 basic salaries or if companies or public institutions are used; plus a fine of five times the value of the assets.
Art. 317 COIP
Private-sector corruption
When a director, partner, adviser or managerial employee of a private company, foundation or organization requests or accepts bribes or improper benefits to do or not do something that favors themselves or someone else. Whoever offers or pays the bribe is also punished.
Penalty: 5 to 7 years in prison and a fine of 500 to 1,000 basic salaries; 7 to 10 years if the act is actually carried out or omitted, or if assets or money under their control are misappropriated.
Art. 320.1 COIP
Unjustified private enrichment
A person increasing their own wealth, or someone else's, directly or through third parties, without being able to justify where it came from, when the increase exceeds 200 basic salaries. It applies to anyone, not only public servants.
Penalty: 3 to 5 years in prison.
Art. 297 COIP
Frequently asked questions
What clients usually ask us
Can an economic investigation affect my company?
Depending on the circumstances, it may have an impact on the legal entity. That is why it is important to have specialized advice from the outset.
How relevant is expert evidence in these cases?
It is often decisive. The technical analysis of accounting and financial information is essential to building the defense.
What should I do if I receive a summons from the Prosecutor’s Office to give a statement?
It is advisable to obtain legal advice before appearing. The statement you give may affect the course of the investigation, so it is important to understand beforehand your rights and the legal implications of each step.
At what stage can a lawyer intervene?
Early intervention is often decisive. Having counsel from the preliminary investigation allows timely strategic decisions, the preservation of evidence and the proper protection of the client’s rights throughout the proceeding.
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