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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Fighting cross-border crime: Council adopts EU law about transfer of proceedings
The Council has given the final green light to an EU law that regulates the conditions under which proceedings in a criminal case initiated in one member state may be transferred to another member state. The law will be critical in ensuring that the best-placed country investigates or prosecutes a criminal offence. It also prevents […]
European Commission will adopt EU roadmap to step up fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks
The Commission will adopt an EU Roadmap to step up the fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks, building on the legislative and operational initiatives put forward so far. The drugs trade is one of the most significant security threats faced by the EU today. Seizures of cocaine in the EU are hitting record levels, with 303 tonnes […]