US Homeland Security Investigations, supported by Europol and the French Police, arrested members of an online community dedicated to grooming, sexual abuse, acts of cruelty, torture and murders. Law enforcement authorities target members of prolific online communities dedicated to the sexual abuse of children and manipulation of vulnerable minors into committing violent crimes. This coercion […]
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Trafficking in the fast lane: French-Spanish drug trafficking ring dismantled
A sophisticated drug trafficking network smuggling large quantities of narcotics between Spain and France has been dismantled following a major law enforcement operation. Operation CABRAS, led by the French Gendarmerie under the supervision of the Specialised Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Rennes, targeted a criminal syndicate responsible for importing cannabis resin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs into […]
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Two Ukrainian brothers arrested on suspicion of leading a criminal gang
On 19 November 2024, law enforcement across Europe cracked down on a criminal network led by two Ukrainian brothers. The action day, which follows raids conducted in October 2024, saw the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of various criminal assets. In total, the operation, which took place over several months, led to the […]
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30 arrested in crackdown on Chinese human trafficking ring in Spain and Croatia
On 17 December, law enforcement conducted raids at 14 properties across Barcelona (4), Madrid (9), and Toledo (1) in Spain, and one property in Zagreb in Croatia. These operations resulted in 30 arrests, among which were the leaders of the criminal network. In addition, EUR 180 000 in cash was also seized, alongside weapons, 70 […]
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Polish fugitive arrested in the Netherlands thanks to a tip received via EU Most Wanted website
One of Europe’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested in the Netherlands following a direct tip submitted via the EU Most Wanted website. The 30-year-old man was apprehended on 22 January in Etten-Leur, the Netherlands, by the Dutch FAST (Fugitive Active Search Team), working closely with FAST Poland. The fugitive was wanted in connection […]
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Europol holds largest-ever operation to increase seizures of criminal assets worldwide
For the first time ever, Europol has welcomed to its headquarters over 80 financial experts from all around the world to participate in Project A.S.S.E.T. (Asset Search & Seize Enforcement Taskforce), a unique initiative aimed at enhancing the number of criminal assets seized globally. In total, 43 law enforcement agencies from 28 countries joined the […]
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Advances in security and criminal investigation: get to know the SIRIUS project
Building on six years of successful support to national law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and judicial authorities (JAs) in the field of electronic evidence, Europol and Eurojust launched the third phase of the SIRIUS project in January 2025. 00 Phase 3 of the SIRIUS project will continue to assist LEAs, JAs, and service providers in navigating […]
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EUR 2.7 million seized in European operation against money laundering and cash smuggling
From 12 to 24 November, Europol supported Customs authorities from 23 EU Member States in a large operation against money laundering, transnational criminal activities and terrorism financing. The operation resulted in over 500 cash movement checks and the subsequent detection of illicit cash flows of almost EUR 2.7 million in cash. This amount is […]
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Spain: 30 arrested in probe into €17 million VAT fraud involving luxury cars
In a probe led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Madrid (Spain), law enforcement authorities have dismantled a transnational criminal network involved in the sale of luxury cars while evading VAT. The estimated damage in Spain alone amounts to €17 million. Thirty individuals were arrested, including the suspected ringleader. Law enforcement agents seized […]
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