The UK has one of the world's largest and most open economies. This openness makes the UK appealing to investors and those looking to do business with UK-based entities. But this appeal also gives rise to legal and compliance vulnerabilities which are ripe for exploitation by those who are not welcomed by 'UK PLC': the bad actors who use the UK's financial infrastructure and system to perpetrate fraud and money laundering. While this is serious enough in its own right, such practices also fund organised crime in the UK and facilitate corruption overseas. This threat of illicit finance extends far beyond less reputable areas of business and finance – to the extent that it undermines legitimate business and has a significant impact on everyday society.

In December 2020, Mr. Mühl joined Europol after serving as the Head of Unit in the EU Policy and Coordination Unit at the Austrian Ministry of the Interior. He holds a Master of Arts degree in financial investigations and financial crime from Teesside University in the UK, and has graduated from the Austrian Police School and Academy. Mr. Mühl played a key role in establishing the Austrian FIU and ARO Office and was responsible for promoting related policies at the Council of the European Union during the Austrian EU Presidencies in 2006 and 2018. With over 35 years of experience working for various Austrian law enforcement authorities and for Europol (2006-2016), he specializes in financial investigations and organized crime, and has extensive experience in various managerial and operational tasks in this field. We spoke with Mühl about strategic priorities and day-to-day operations at EFECC.