On behalf of the EFRI (European Funds Recovery Initiative), on prevention, prosecution and restitution in respect of financial cyberattacks against consumers in the European Union 

The petitioner complains about the fact that, while the European Union has set itself the objective of maintaining and developing an area of ​​freedom, security and justice, as well as ensuring a high level of consumer protection, these initiatives have not so far produced any results in the field of cybercrime prevention. Combating the growing threat of cybercrime and ensuring a safe financial environment for consumers, in particular, must remain a priority. The petitioner points out that European consumers are at risk of losing their savings due to extremely well-organised online investment scams and other types of fraud, involving money laundering and terrorist activities, operated by organised transnational criminal networks. In the petitioner's opinion, these organisations, undertakings and individuals operate without fear or threat of criminal prosecution. The financial losses due to cybercrime and the number of cases are increasing rapidly. The petitioner therefore requests the European Parliament to initiate preventative actions and public awareness and education campaigns at European level to draw attention to this type of crime. He also asks for cooperation and coordination among national authorities across the European Union to be encouraged, which is why he is calling for the creation of an independent and decentralised authority within the European Union with the power to investigate and prosecute such cybercrimes against European consumers. The petitioner considers that criminal law should be modified and modernised at European level with respect to the criminal liability of corporations. The petitioner also calls for the speedy adoption of the Directive on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers, which will enable consumers to join forces against such illegal practices, and file collective lawsuits in order to obtain compensation for damages.