Human trafficking for forced criminality is increasing across the world, with authorities raising particular concern about a rapidly growing form of exploitation: trafficking to commit cyber-enabled fraud and online scams. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU) call for urgent and coordinated international action to […]
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International investigation supported by Europol and Eurojust dismantles online fraud criminal network
Thanks to the EU coordinated investigation by Europol and Eurojust, a very large criminal network of telephone fraud has been dismantled in Albania. The criminal network has operated several call centres in Tirana, Albania, and caused at least EUR 50 million in financial losses. These call centres were professionally set up and organised, closely resembling legitimate businesses. Fraudsters contacted people under false […]
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New analysis on the EU’s most threatening criminal networks
Last June 26, the European Commission, Europol and the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU are presenting a new Europol analysis of the EU’s most threatening criminal networks. While law enforcement action has disrupted criminal networks across the EU, the report shows that the threat from organised crime remains strong, adaptive and deeply embedded across Europe. The report analyses […]
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Stricter anti-corruption rules come into force
On 31 May, more harmonised anti-corruption rules came into force across the EU under the new Anti-Corruption Directive. The Directive introduces modern rules to better prevent, detect and punish corruption throughout the EU, thereby helping to safeguard democratic institutions, the rule of law and public trust, whilst promoting competitiveness across the European Union. The new […]
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The Commission is launching a €16.5 million call for proposals to dismantle criminal networks
On 21 May, the European Commission published a call for proposals to co-fund projects aimed a tcombating organised crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking. With a budget of €16.55 million, support will be provided to police forces and law enforcement agencies in general, as well as to civil society and other public and private bodies […]
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34 arrests in Spain during action against the ‘Black Axe’ criminal organisation
The Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional), in close cooperation with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (Bayerisches Landeskriminalamt) and with the support of Europol, has conducted an operation against the international criminal organisation ‘Black Axe’. The action resulted in 34 arrests and significant disruptions to the group’s activities. Black Axe is a highly structured, hierarchical […]
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EU strengthens legal protections and support systems for victims of crime
The new rules, provisionally agreed by EU co-legislators, seek to reinforce support and protection measures for victims and their rights in criminal proceedings. On Wednesday evening, negotiators from Parliament reached an informal agreement with the Council to update the 2012 Victims’ Rights directive following a proposal by the Commission in 2023. The agreement succeeds in: strengthening […]
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Europol and Spanish National Police disrupt activities of far-right terrorist group ‘The Base’
Europol supported the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in disrupting activities of the far-right terrorist group ‘The Base’. The operation took place over three days in Madrid and Valencia, resulting in significant seizures and the arrest of three suspected far-right extremists on 25 November 2025. The operation was led by the General Commissariat of Information […]
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Help4U: A new digital platform to support young people facing online sexual abuse
A new digital platform, Help4U, developed by Europol and CENTRIC, has been launched to support children and teenagers facing sexual abuse or online harm. Designed to be simple, private, and accessible, Help4U supports young people with finding trusted advice, understanding their rights, and connecting with people who can help. The platform offers clear, practical guidance for […]
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