After submitting an STR to the relevant National Financial Intelligence Unit or FIU, the firm should not freeze the customer's account. This is because preventing the customer from using the account would be tantamount to tipping the customer off. So the general rule is that the customer can continue using the account while an internal investigation takes place quietly in the background or in the case of an STR, an external investigation. Some FIUs have a consent rule, meaning that firms must obtain the FIU's consent to continue operating the customer's account. Consent is rarely refused, but it could be refused if the police believe the customer's account contains the proceeds of a crime. Money laundering schemes often involve moving dirty money or dirty value assets purchased with dirty money across international borders. It therefore makes sense for national FIUs to cooperate with each other and to share information. The Eggmont Group is an association of FIUs in 166 countries that collaborate to break up money laundering schemes and assist law enforcement to apprehend launderers.