Criminal groups in Europe are adapting and expanding MDMA production, refining trafficking methods and extending their reach to new countries and regions. These are among the issues explored in a new analysis — EU Drug Market: MDMA — released last March 27th by Europol and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). The joint analysis from […]
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12 members of an Irish high-risk criminal network arrested
This week, Irish and Spanish law enforcement authorities took decisive action against one of Ireland’s high-risk criminal networks. In a coordinated series of raids in both countries, An Garda Síochána and Guardia Civil officers arrested 12 suspects (6 in Ireland and 6 in Spain). The criminals are suspected of involvement in large-scale drug trafficking, mainly […]
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The DNA of organised crime is changing, as well as the threat to Europe
Europol’s EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA) 2025, published last March 18th, revealed how the very DNA of crime is shifting – reshaping the tactics, tools and structures employed by criminal networks. The EU-SOCTA offers one of the most thorough analyses conducted on the threats posed by serious organised crime to the EU’s […]
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The Council adds one entity to its autonomous list of sanctions associated with ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida.
On 17 March the Council decided to add Al Azaim Media Foundation to the EU autonomous list of persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida and therefore subject to EU restrictive measures. Al Azaim Media Foundation is the media arm of the Islamic State-Khorasan. With the 17 March decision, the autonomous […]
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Europol’s work and developments in European security, new meeting in Warsaw
The Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group (JPSG) on Europol met in Warsaw today, bringing together Members of the European Parliament to discuss Europol’s work and the evolving security landscape. With serious and organised crime posing an increasing threat to communities across Europe, discussions focused on the Agency’s operational impact, strategic direction and future […]
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Law enforcement targets online cult communities dedicated to extremely violent child abuse
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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