The Estonian Ministry of Finance's internal audit department is carrying out an audit at the money laundering bureau (RAB) between March 16 and July 31. This audit aims to evaluate the compliance of the bureau's data use internal control system with applicable laws and regulations, which is crucial given the increasing scrutiny around the bureau's operations. Any findings from this audit will be shared with involved parties for comments before finalization.

The RAB has faced criticism for its extensive requests for banking data, which some argue invade banking confidentiality. The question of the legality of such requests has been a point of contention, highlighted by the Estonian Chancellor of Justice. Recently, the Tallinn Administrative Court ruled in favor of the LHV Bank, asserting that the current legal framework in Estonia does not sufficiently support RAB's requests for banking transaction records without appropriate legal grounds, indicating potential legal challenges ahead for the bureau's operations.

Despite this ruling, the RAB maintains that it does have the legal right to request such banking data, and it plans to appeal the court's decision. Moreover, the Estonian government recently appointed Matis Mäeker as the new head of the money laundering bureau, a change likely aimed at addressing the operational and legal challenges facing the RAB in its efforts to combat money laundering effectively.