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 […]
Network smuggling migrants between Spain and France busted in Marseille
Europol supported the French National Police (Police Nationale/OLTIM) and the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in dismantling an organised criminal network smuggling migrants from Spain to France. The investigation was initiated in November 2022 and targeted individuals, based in Marseille, suspected of smuggling migrants between Spain and France. Europol’s analysis of the operational data made […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]