Category: Eurojust

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Ukrainas väidetavalt toimepandud raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude ühise uurimisrühma tegevusaega pikendatakse kaks aastat

Source: Eurojust

Seitse riiklikku ametiasutust, kes osalevad Ukrainas väidetavalt toimepandud raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude ühises uurimisrühmas (JIT), on kokku leppinud, et ühise uurimisrühma tegevusaega pikendatakse kaks aastat. Osalevate riikide peaprokurörid leppisid tegevusaja pikendamises kokku täna Ukrainas Kiievis toimunud koordineerimisnõupidamisel. Nõupidamine toimus samal ajal kui konverents „United for Justice“, mis toimub samuti Kiievis.

Ainult kolm nädalat pärast täiemahulise sissetungi algust Ukrainasse toetas Eurojust 25. märtsil 2022 Leedu, Poola ja Ukraina moodustatud ühise uurimisrühma loomist. 30. mail 2022 said liikmeks Eesti, Läti ja Slovakkia ning 13. oktoobril 2022 Rumeenia. 3. märtsil 2023 allkirjastasid ühise uurimisrühma seitse riiklikku ametiasutust vastastikuse mõistmise memorandumi Ameerika Ühendriikide justiitsministeeriumiga.

Rahvusvahelise Kriminaalkohtu Prokuratuur on osalenud ühises uurimisrühmas alates aprillist 2022 ja Europol alates oktoobrist 2023.

Two years on

A timeline of Eurojust’s response to the war in Ukraine

Open the timeline

Ühine uurimisrühm on üks kõige arenenumaid vahendeid, mida kasutatakse kriminaalasjades tehtavas rahvusvahelises koostöös, mis hõlmab kahe või enama riigi pädevate asutuste vahelist õiguslikku kokkulepet kriminaaluurimiste läbiviimiseks. Ühise uurimisrühma eesmärk on hõlbustada asjaomastes riikides uurimisi ja süüdistuste esitamist seoses Ukrainas väidetavalt toimepandud raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegudega, samuti seoses nendega, mida võidakse käsitelda Rahvusvahelises Kriminaalkohtus.

Koordineerimisnõupidamisel arutasid osalejad ühise uurimisrühma senise tegevuse tulemusi ja järgmise kahe aasta prioriteete.

Eurojust pakub ühisele uurimisrühmale õiguslikku, analüütilist, logistilist ja rahalist tuge. Alates märtsist 2022 on amet korraldanud 22 koordineerimisnõupidamist, kus osalesid ühise uurimisrühma liikmed ja muud riiklikud ametiasutused, kes uurivad Ukrainas väidetavalt toimepandud raskeid rahvusvahelisi kuritegusid.

Ühist uurimisrühma toetavad ka raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude tõendite andmebaas (CICED) ja Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmise rahvusvaheline keskus (ICPA), mida haldab Eurojust. Lisateave Eurojusti võetavate mitmesuguste meetmete kohta alates sõja puhkemisest Ukrainas on meie spetsiaalsel veebilehel https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/eurojust-and-the-war-in-ukraine, kus on ka kõige sagedamate küsimuste vastused ning pressikonverentside ja muude seonduvate ürituste salvestised.

Konverents „United for Justice“

29. veebruaril Kiievis toimunud konverents „United for Justice“ (üheskoos õiguse nimel) tõi kokku paljud sidusrühmad, kes on osalenud püüdlustes tagada vastutus Ukrainas väidetavalt toime pandud raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude eest. Ukraina ametiasutuste korraldatud üritus keskendus kultuuripärandile. Ukraina peaprokurör Andri Kostin avas ürituse põhisõnavõtuga. Sõna võtsid Poola justiitsminister, Leedu ja Rumeenia peaprokurörid ning Eurojusti president Ladislav Hamran.

Lisateave:

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Eurojust and U.S. Department of Justice co-host meeting aimed at ensuring sensitive technologies stay out of the wrong hands

Source: Eurojust

The unlawful acquisition of sensitive technology is a significant threat to free and democratic societies around the world. When in the wrong hands, innovations that include semiconductor technology, quantum computing, biosciences and artificial intelligence can be used to increase the military capabilities of foreign adversaries. The technologies can also be used to engage in mass surveillance, suppress dissidents living abroad or commit other human rights abuses.

The meeting served as a unique opportunity for US and European partners to discuss the threats posed by the acquisition of sensitive technology by non-allied nations; exchange information about efforts to combat such threats, including relevant authorities, enforcement tools and best practices; and identify opportunities for further collaboration. As part of this discussion, the United States highlighted its Disruptive Technology Strike Force, a US inter-agency programme launched in 2023 aimed at preventing critical technologies from being unlawfully acquired.

Opening remarks were delivered by European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, Eurojust President Ladislav Hamran, U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen, and Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin.

In his remarks, Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran stated: ‘The acquisition of advanced technology by foreign adversaries is a global problem that demands a global solution. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has only increased the urgency of finding effective solutions to this longstanding challenge. The presence of so many stakeholders at today’s meeting sends a powerful signal: we can and must do better, because in the end, this is not just about technology but about protecting innocent lives.’

In his remarks, Assistant Attorney Mr Matthew G. General Olsen said: ‘The countries represented here have a shared commitment to the common goal of combatting the national security threat posed by the misuse of critical technology. International partnerships are critical to our work.  Our adversaries’ efforts to obtain sensitive technology reaches across the globe, and it demands an international response.’

The meeting was divided into topical sessions that featured speakers from EU Member States, EU institutions, other European countries and the United States. Participants highlighted recent examples of coordinated law enforcement actions against criminal actors involved in the illegal export of sensitive technology to foreign adversaries.

Participants agreed to carry the momentum forward and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting critical technology assets from being acquired or used by foreign adversaries.

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Un importante paso contra el crimen organizado Eurojust firma Acuerdos de Trabajo con cinco países latinoamericanos

Source: Eurojust

El 68% de las redes delictivas más peligrosas operan a escala mundial, y el 36% de ellas se dedican al tráfico de drogas, según un informe de Europol. Estas redes blanquean el producto de sus actividades a escala global, y el 32% de ellas lo hace tanto en la Unión Europea -EU- como en el extranjero.

Para desmantelar estas redes es esencial la cooperación internacional. En este sentido, Eurojust apoya a las autoridades nacionales de la UE para que colaboren con terceros países. Los Acuerdos de Trabajo con Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador y Perú, reforzarán la cooperación en la lucha contra la delincuencia organizada y el terrorismo. Un Acuerdo de Trabajo similar fue firmado por Panamá, en enero de 2024, lo que ha contribuido a que las autoridades panameñas incrementaran el uso de las herramientas de cooperación judicial que ofrece Eurojust.

La Estrategia de la UE, para hacer frente a la delincuencia organizada, destaca la importancia de la cooperación más allá de la Unión Europea a través de los mecanismos de Eurojust, con el fin de desarticular las redes delictivas y las rutas de transporte mundiales. En la firma de los acuerdos de trabajo, el Comisario Europeo de Justicia, Didier Reynders, declaró: Hoy abrimos un nuevo capítulo en la cooperación entre la UE y seis socios estratégicos en este ámbito. Partiendo de nuestros valores compartidos y de nuestros intereses estratégicos comunes, podemos dotar a las autoridades judiciales de los instrumentos necesarios para salvaguardar los derechos de nuestros ciudadanos, permitiendo al mismo tiempo una cooperación eficaz “sobre el terreno”. Considero la conclusión de los Acuerdos de Trabajo con Eurojust como un hito en este proceso. Y espero con interés avanzar en nuestra colaboración para construir una respuesta común a la delincuencia organizada.

El presidente de Eurojust, Ladislav Hamran, ha declarado: El tráfico de drogas es la actividad delictiva más lucrativa en la UE, ya que genera un mercado ilícito con unos ingresos anuales de al menos 31.000 millones de euros. Para mitigar y detener el enorme daño a las sociedades y a los individuos tanto en la Unión Europea como en América Latina, nuestra respuesta debe ser eficaz y colaborativa. Es esencial que los fiscales de Europa y América Latina se unan y diseñen estrategias para una cooperación más estrecha, que nos permita no sólo desarticular las redes criminales, sino también exigirles responsabilidades ante los tribunales. Es un honor para mí que Eurojust sirva de plataforma para construir esta arquitectura, y estoy deseando poner en práctica los Acuerdos de Trabajo que Eurojust ha firmado con las autoridades judiciales de Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador y Perú, tras el Acuerdo de Trabajo que firmamos con Panamá en enero de 2024.

Los Acuerdos de Trabajo reforzarán la cooperación en ámbitos delictivos, que afectan tanto a la UE como a los países latinoamericanos, en temas como el tráfico de drogas y armas, el blanqueo de capitales y ciberdelincuencia. Es vital que las autoridades judiciales trabajen juntas para combatir el creciente problema del tráfico de drogas, especialmente mediante el desmantelamiento de las rutas de transporte que mueven grandes cantidades de drogas y que ingresan a la UE a través de los puertos. Con el apoyo de Eurojust, en 2023 se incautaron drogas por valor de 25.600 millones de euros, más del doble que en 2022.

En una declaración conjunta, los fiscales generales de Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panamá y Perú expresaron su preocupación por el impacto de los grupos delictivos organizados en la seguridad, la economía y el bienestar de sus ciudadanos. Para fortalecer la respuesta judicial conjunta a la delincuencia organizada, se han comprometido a aplicar los acuerdos de trabajo con el apoyo crucial de EL PACCTO 2.0, el Programa de Cooperación de la UE destinado a reforzar la asociación UE-ALC en los ámbitos de la justicia y la seguridad, para luchar contra la delincuencia organizada transnacional. Los acuerdos de trabajo reflejan el compromiso de ambas regiones para hacer frente a los retos que plantean las redes delictivas que operan a través de las fronteras. Los fiscales generales también trabajarán en la celebración de acuerdos internacionales con Eurojust, lo que representa el siguiente paso en el proceso de cooperación.

Puede encontrar más información sobre la cooperación internacional de Eurojust en:

Las preguntas frecuentes sobre acuerdos de trabajo.

Los videos disponibles en el canal YouTube de Eurojust, de las declaraciones de los fiscales generales de Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panamá y Perú, junto a las declaraciones del presidente de Eurojust.

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An important step against organised crime: Eurojust signs Working Arrangements with five Latin American countries

Source: Eurojust

68% of the most threatening criminal networks operate globally, with 36% of these networks engaged in drug trafficking, according to a report from Europol. These networks launder the proceeds from their activities on a global scale, with 32% of networks laundering money in both the EU and abroad.

To dismantle these networks, international cooperation is essential. Eurojust supports national authorities in the EU to work together with third countries. The Working Arrangements with Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru will strengthen cooperation in the fight against organised crime and terrorism. A similar Working Arrangement with Panama, signed in January 2024, has already increased the use of Eurojust’s judicial cooperation tools by Panamanian authorities.

The EU Strategy to tackle Organised Crime highlights the importance of Eurojust’s cooperation beyond the European Union to disrupt global criminal networks and transport routes. At the signing of the working arrangements, European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, stated: Today, we open a new chapter in the cooperation between the EU and six strategic partners in this field. By building on our shared values and common strategic interests, we can equip judicial authorities with the necessary instruments for safeguarding the rights of our citizens while enabling effective cooperation “on the ground”. I regard the conclusion of Working Arrangements with Eurojust as a milestone in this process. And I look forward to advancing our joint work to build a common response to organised crime.

Eurojust president Ladislav Hamran said: Drug trafficking is the most lucrative criminal activity in the EU, creating illicit market with yearly earnings of at least 31 billion euros. To mitigate and halt the enormous harm to societies and individuals in both the European Union and Latin America, our response needs to be effective and collaborative. It is essential for prosecutors from Europe and Latin America to unite and devise strategies for closer cooperation, enabling us to not only disrupt criminal networks but also hold them accountable in court. I am honoured for Eurojust to serve as a platform to build this architecture, and I look forward to putting in practice the Working Arrangements Eurojust is signing with the prosecution authorities from Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru following the Working Arrangement we signed with Panama in January 2024.

The Working Arrangements will strengthen cooperation in crime areas that affect both the EU and Latin American countries, such as drug and arms trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime. It is vital that judicial authorities work together to combat the growing problem of drug trafficking, especially by dismantling the transport routes that allow large quantities of drugs to enter the EU via its ports. With the support of Eurojust, EUR 25.6 billion worth of drugs were seized in 2023, more than double the amount of 2022.

In a joint declaration, the prosecutors generals from Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru, expressed their concern about the impact of organised criminal groups on the security, economy and well-being of their citizens. To strengthen the joint judicial response to organised crime, they are committed to implementing the working arrangements with the crucial support of the EL PACCTO 2.0, the EU cooperation programme aimed to strengthen the EU-LAC partnership in the fields of justice and security to combat transnational organized crime. The working arrangements reflects the commitment of both regions to address the challenges posed by criminal networks that operate across borders.

The prosecutors generals will also work towards the conclusion of International Agreements with Eurojust, representing the next step in the cooperation process.

More information on Eurojust’s international cooperation can be found in the FAQ on third countries. Video statements by the prosecutors generals of Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru, as well as the Eurojust president, can be found on YouTube.

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Eurojust supports searches into bribery and money laundering

Source: Eurojust

Investigations into corruption, trading and the influencing and bribery of foreign public officials have led to 13 searches across France, Spain and the Netherlands. A multinational company is being investigated for possible corruption and money laundering involving civilian and military equipment.

French authorities have started multiple investigations into the company. The first investigation, opened at the end of 2016, concerns the sale of defence material and the construction of a naval base, around which there are suspicions of corruption.

A second investigation, opened in June 2023, concerns the suspected corruption and influencing of foreign public officials linked to the sale of civilian and military equipment abroad.

As the company has subsidiaries in Spain and the Netherlands that needed to be searched, Eurojust helped connect the French authorities with the Spanish and Dutch authorities. Eurojust ensured swift cooperation between the authorities by organising a coordination centre. The coordination centre was set up for the execution of mutual legal assistance requests sent by France as well as to relay and solve any urgent issues arising amongst the three countries during an action day held on 26 June. The action day led to 15 searches at several of the subsidiaries in France, Spain and the Netherlands. The searches were undertaken by over 80 officers, including 65 in France, 8 in Spain and 12 in the Netherlands.

The authorities involved in the actions were as follows:

  • France: National Financial Public Prosecution Office (PPO); Central Office against corruption and tax fraud.
  • Netherlands: National Office for Serious Fraud, Environmental Crime and Asset Confiscation; Fiscal Information and Investigation Service
  • Spain: Anticorruption Public Prosecution Office (PPO); Central Court number 3 at the Audiencia Nacional; Judicial National Police Unit attached to the Anticorruption PPO
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Actions taken to stop Romanian human trafficking network

Source: Eurojust

An ongoing investigation led by the Romanian authorities confirmed that, in order to obtain important material benefits, the OCG members have been committing offences of trafficking in human beings, pimping and money laundering, since at least January 2022.

The victims from disadvantaged backgrounds were recruited in Romania and subsequently transported to France for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The recruitment and control of the victims involved various forms of coercion, including threat, force and deception.

The suspects executed most of their activities from Romania, travelling to France only for short periods. Through profiles on a website, they coordinated their activities and were in touch with their clients.

Different short-term rental apartments in France, mostly located in Lyon, were used for their activities. The proceeds of the sexual exploitation were sent to the leaders of the group in Romania and laundered through different investments.

With the support of Eurojust, connections between Romanian and French investigative authorities were made, bringing prosecution to the next phase.

The cooperation between the authorities led to a joint action day on 3 July, coordinated by Eurojust. In Romania, 14 locations were searched and vehicles and money were also seized. Furthermore, bank cards which belonged to victims were found. Of the eight six suspects, six were identified in Romania and two in France. Two of the suspects have been arrested.

Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided analytical support to the investigation. On the action day, Europol deployed staff to the coordination centre at Eurojust.

Human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation remains the most prevalent form of exploitation in the European Union, with women and girls accounting for 87% of victims. As human trafficking usually takes place across borders, judicial cooperation is key to dismantling the OCGs and bringing them to justice. In 2023, Eurojust assisted in over 300 cross-border human trafficking cases.

The authorities involved in the actions:

  • Romania: Special Operations Directorate, Service for Combating Organized Crime Olt and Gorj; Offices for Combating Organized Crime of Bucharest and Craiova; Mobile Gendarmerie Group “Buzești Brothers” Craiova, Special Intervention Brigade of the Gendarmerie; Prosecution Office of High Court of Cassation and Justice, Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, Mehedinti Territorial Office;
  • France: Investigative judge from JIRS Lyon (Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction); Research Section Lyon, Gendarmerie Nationale
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Illegal trade in fake and prohibited pesticides and fertilizers halted in Romania and Italy

Source: Eurojust

The substances were all banned for trade in the European Union, as they could be dangerous to users and consumers as they contained high doses of active substances. The suspects illegally imported the products from China and Singapore, but sold them as bio- or organic fertilizers and pesticides, using fake labels. The suspects also sold goods that were fake but pretended they were legitimate organic products.

Between February and May 2023, three suspect shipments arriving from outside the European Union were detected by the Romanian customs authorities. Subsequent inspections by the phytosanitary authorities confirmed it concerned fake or banned products, using falsified labels.

Further investigations and searches in Romania, showed an organised crime group (OCG) was behind the illegal activities. The OCG was composed of Romanian and Italian nationals who took over existing companies in Romania or registered new trading companies for the sale of the products in Italy. Falsified declaration forms were used for this purpose.

The Italian judicial authority gathered extensive evidence on the destination to the domestic market of the goods illegally introduced into Romania and identified the suspects who had promoted the illicit traffic in agricultural products from Italy.

At the request of the authorities involved, early this year Eurojust assisted with the setting up and financing of a JIT team into the OCG. The Agency organised a dedicated coordination meeting and supported the cross-border judicial response to the illegal activities.

Europol held several operational meetings in order to proceed with national investigations in a synergistic and aligned manner. Furthermore, it facilitated the exchange of information and provided constant analytical support to the investigations. During operational activities, Europol sent an expert to the field to cross-check operational information in real time and provide the experts with any guidance and technical support.

This support led to a series of coordinated actions in Romania and Italy, during which ten locations were searched across Arad, Bucharest, Verona, and Naples, gathering additional evidence of the crimes. During the course of the activities, the Romanian Judicial Authority also arrested one of the suspects.

The following authorities carried out the operations:

  • Romania: Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, Constanta Territorial Office; Special Operation Directorate (DOS); Brigade for Combating Organized Crime – Sea Ports Combating Organized Crime Service; Border Customs Offices Constanta and Constanta Sud
  • Italy: PPO Verona; NAS Carabinieri Padua; Financial Police Unit of the Guardia di Finanza Verona
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One year on since the launch of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA)

Source: Eurojust

Russia must be held accountable for its war of aggression  said European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders. With the ICPA we ensure that no evidence is lost, in view to prosecute those responsible for the crime of aggression in accordance with international standards. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the ICPA, I want to applaud its very important work and reiterate the commitment of the European Commission to take all the necessary measures to support Eurojust and the ICPA States, including Ukraine, to accomplish their crucial mission.

Eurojust’s President, Ladislav Hamran, remarked: One year after its inception, the ICPA has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the accountability landscape. The fight against impunity deserves our unwavering attention and it is crucial that it extends to one of the pillars of the modern international rule-based order: the prohibition of the use of force. Eurojust is committed to supporting the ICPA for as long as necessary.

Commenting on the importance of the ICPA’s ongoing work, Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General for Ukraine stated: ICPA participants are engaged in a historic task—building a solid evidence base and developing a comprehensive prosecutorial file for the supreme international crime—the crime of aggression. This unprecedented work has never been done before. So, their goal is to collect, preserve and analyze evidence with the highest possible quality, ensuring no doubts about the legitimacy of the future tribunal. We are deeply grateful to Eurojust for enabling the operations of the ICPA and to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Romania for their contributions, as well as the United States and the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC.

The ICPA’s independent prosecutors and investigators from different countries have been working together regularly at Eurojust, benefitting from the Agency’s dedicated team of legal experts and tailor-made technical, logistical and financial support. This has enabled them to exchange information and evidence quickly and efficiently, and coordinate a common investigative and prosecutorial strategy. The centre’s unique nature and multi-national composition has enabled it to utilise the expertise and services of a diverse range of national authorities in its work.

Its task has not been easy however. With no recent international judicial practice on investigating and prosecuting the crime of aggression, the ICPA has built further capacity and expertise. During the past year, ICPA participants have invited expert practitioners, legal scholars and other judicial experts to share their knowledge and experience to inform the centre’s work.

Alongside capacity building, the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence has been a major priority for the ICPA. In spite of challenges in identifying and gathering evidence, much of which is located in the Russian Federation, the number of evidence files being submitted to the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) managed by Eurojust, is growing. To date, 14 countries have submitted evidence amounting to more than 2 000 files.

To prove the scale and systemic nature of Russia’s crimes in Ukraine, it is crucial that prosecution strategies rely on large sets of evidence. Eurojust therefore continues to encourage national authorities to submit evidence to the CICED database to bolster collective accountability efforts.

CICED and the ICPA are part of the overall support structure Eurojust provides to the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine. The JIT, which includes prosecutors from all ICPA countries, is supported by Eurojust and benefits directly from the important work of the ICPA and CICED.

During the last 12 months, the ICPA’s work has been crucial in strengthening the national investigations into the crime of aggression currently taking place in Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

While the war is ongoing and discussions about a possible special tribunal are still in course, the ICPA ensures that crimes are well documented and crucial evidence is not lost. The ICPA is effectively preparing and contributing to future prosecutions of the crime of aggression, irrespective of the jurisdiction before which the proceedings will be brought. For this reason, evidence is being translated, including into Ukrainian and English, to ensure that it can be used in various jurisdictions.

One year on since the ICPA’s launch, Eurojust thanks all ICPA and JIT partners for their hard work and dedication in helping ensure accountability for the atrocities committed in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the European Commission for its trust in the Agency to host this important centre.

About the ICPA

The ICPA consists of participants from Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. Furthermore, the United States has appointed a Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression to support the ICPA’s activities, and the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC has designated staff to participate in the ICPA. The Centre is funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). In November 2023, Eurojust welcomed a financial contribution from the U.S. Department of State, via the European Commission’s FPI Service, in support of the ICPA’s work.

About the crime of aggression

The crime of aggression is a crime committed by the highest political and military leadership. Given that Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute, the ICC currently cannot prosecute the Russian leadership for the crime of aggression in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

To close this gap, various options have been explored to ensure full accountability for the crimes committed in the context of the Russian war against Ukraine, including the crime of aggression.

The ICPA is the first step in this process to preserve evidence and prepare cases for future trials, be it before national courts, a dedicated tribunal or the International Criminal Court for crimes within its jurisdiction.

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the setting up of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine at the 24th EU-Ukraine Summit on 2 February 2023.

More information

ICPA:

Other Ukraine-related developments:

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Drug trafficking network active across Europe dismantled

Source: Eurojust

Drugs used for the group’s illegal activities were supplied by members in Spain. The drugs were then transported across Europe by couriers, who concealed the supplies in trucks that were in the possession of the organisation. Members based in Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Ukraine, then sold the drugs on their local drug markets.

Drug trafficking remains one of the most serious security threats in Europe. Europol’s report on criminal networks shows that 50% of the most threatening criminal networks active in the EU are involved in drug trafficking, and 50% of all homicides in Europe are directly connected to drug trafficking. It is crucial that judicial authorities from different countries collaborate in their investigations, as drug trafficking frequently crosses borders. Eurojust has observed a twofold increase in cross-border drug trafficking cases since 2020, with over 2 462 cases supported in 2023.

The Italian authorities initiated investigations into the drug trafficking network in December 2021. The investigations revealed that the group, consisting of individals from various nationalities, was operating across Europe. To ensure that the group could not evade justice, Italian authorities used Eurojust’s facilities to facilitate investigations in other countries and execute house searches and seizures.

At a coordination centre at Eurojust, in the early morning of 2 July, authorities from Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Ukraine worked together with Europol and Interpol to arrest 13 suspects. During house searches, several electronic devices, drugs and money was found.

The operation was financially supported by the @ON network, which funded by the European Commission and led by the Italian Antimafia Directorate (DIA).

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

  • Italy: Procure della Repubblica di L’Aquila e Teramo (Public Prosecution Offices of L’Aquila and Teramo); Carabinieri Raggruppamento Operativo Speciale (Special Operational Group) of L’Aquila
  • Belgium: PPO Mons; Federal Police of Mons
  • Germany: Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Düsseldorf (General Public Prosecutor`s Office Düsseldorf); Landeskriminalamt Nordrhein-Westfalen (State Criminal Police Office of North Rhine-Westphalia)
  • Spain: Juzgado central of Instruccion num 6 (Central Investigative Judge num. 6 at Audiencia Nacional); Fiscalia Antidroga at Audiencia Nacional (PP Antidrug at Audiencia Nacional); Group OCT Udyco Central of Policia Nacional (Group OCT Udyco Central of National Police)
  • Ukraine: Prosecutor General’s Office; Counter Narcotics Department of the National
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Hungarian EU presidency to combat cybercrime

Source: Eurojust

Cybercrime is a rapidly evolving and growing area of criminal activity. Cybercriminals are exploiting the speed and anonymity of the internet to commit a range of criminal acts, including large-scale cyberattacks and the use of malware, phishing and spam. Many of the cases opened at Eurojust, 534 cases in 2023 alone, investigate cybercrime. The Hungarian presidency will focus on the fight against cybercrime, as it is a serious threat to fundamental rights, critical infrastructure and competitiveness. A key objective in this priority area will be ensuring a safe online environment for children.

To strengthen the security of the EU and its citizens, the presidency will focus on the fight against terrorism and organised crime. The Hungarian presidency will strengthen law enforcement and judicial cooperation in the prevention, detection and investigation of smuggling and trafficking of human beings. To combat drug trafficking, the presidency will promote the implementation of the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan and the EU Roadmap for combatting drug trafficking and organised crime.

In the field of criminal justice cooperation, the presidency will continue to prioritise victim support and the fight against corruption. In 2023, Eurojust helped deliver justice to more than 375 000 victims of all forms of serious, cross-border crime. Through a dedicated working group, Eurojust ensures that victim rights are protected in cross-border criminal proceedings.

To enhance digitalisation in judicial cooperation, the presidency will explore possibilities for the use of AI in the justice sector, following the adoption of the AI Act. Since December 2018, Eurojust has been actively working on enhancing digitalisation in Eurojust and the wider European judicial community. The Digital Criminal Justice Programme is working on several enhancements for judicial cooperation, such as the modernisation of the case management system used by national authorities for all of Eurojust’s cross-border cases.

To mark the start of the Hungarian presidency, fine art from a contemporary Hungarian artist will be displayed at Eurojust. This is part of the tradition whereby the country that holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU has the opportunity to display selected artwork in the lobby and on public floors.