Category: Third countries

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Four arrests and nine companies seized in anti-mafia operation in Italy and Brazil

Source: Eurojust

Eurojust supported this international operation, which hit a notorious mafia organisation. Investigations into the criminal organisation uncovered an elaborate scheme that was laundering money from Italy to Brazil, through several companies. The operation on 7 October led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of nine companies in Italy, Hong Kong and Brazil.

The suspects arrested today were involved in the mafia organisation and used extortion, money laundering and the fraudulent transfer of valuables to facilitate important mafia organisations. The main suspect in the scheme set up multiple companies in Brazil using straw men and shell companies. The companies were used to hide the criminal gains of mafia organisations from Italy.

The investigations revealed that other companies active in the property and hospitality sectors in Italy, Hong Kong and Brazil were part of this elaborate money-laundering scheme. During the operation, nine companies were seized, as well as money worth EUR 350 000.

The operation on 7 October is the second action from a joint investigation team (JIT) set up at Eurojust between Italian and Brazilian authorities. The JIT has been investigating the mafia organisation since 2022. The first operation took place on 13 August and led to the arrest of a member of a mafia family and the freezing of assets worth EUR 50 million. 

The Italian and Brazilian authorities have been investigating the activities of the mafia organisation since 2022 through a JIT, set up with the support of Eurojust. Their investigations uncovered the activities of the organisation in Switzerland and Hong Kong.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Palermo – District Antimafia Directorate; Guardia di Finanza – G.I.C.O. (Organized Crime Investigative Group) of Palermo
  • Brazil: Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Norte
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51 arrests in wide-scale operation to take down encrypted communication platform used by organised crime groups

Source: Eurojust

Investigations into the communication platform started when authorities were alerted of a new encrypted service being used in Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands. Due to servers being located in France, French authorities started investigations into the platform. The platform’s robust encryption made it ideal for criminal networks to use for their activities. It was mostly used for drug trafficking but also for other criminal activities, such as arms trading, homicide, robbery, kidnapping, and money laundering.

The communication platform is a fully anonymised service. Users can purchase the solution without any personal information. The platform uses three encryption standards and offers the option to send a message followed by a specific code that results in the self-destruction of all messages on the target phone. By using multiple private servers around the world, third party or government agencies have difficulty tracking the communication solution.

As servers were found in France and Iceland, the platform was administered from Australia and Canada, and financial assets were located in the United States, a global operation against the phone service started. A joint investigation team (JIT) between authorities from France and the United States was set up at Eurojust, the second-ever JIT with the United States. This allowed them to exchange information and evidence in real time. Authorities from the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada and Australia were also involved in the investigations. Through coordination among the authorities, hosted by Eurojust, a strategy to take down the encrypted phone solution was defined.

To facilitate investigations into the illegal activities using this communication platform, an Operational Taskforce (OTF) was established at Europol in March 2022 involving law enforcement authorities from Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States.

A Joint Operational Centre was also established at Europol’s headquarters, where representatives from the OTF members and Europol’s officers provided support and facilitated the coordination of the simultaneous operational activities taking place around the globe.

The investigations culminated in a number of joint action days taking place across the globe against the phone service. 38 suspects were arrested in Australia, 11 in Ireland, one in Italy and one in Canada. A drug lab was dismantled in Australia and weapons, drugs and over EUR 1 million euro is cash was seized globally so far. Further actions are expected as the investigation progresses.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • France: Cybercrime unit Prosecutor’s office – JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against organised crime); Gendarmerie Nationale – C3N Cybercrime Unit
  • Netherlands: National Police
  • Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; Swedish Police Authority
  • Australia: The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Canada: Public Prosecution Service of Canada
  • Iceland: Director of Public Prosecution; National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police; Reykjavik Metropolitan Police
  • United States: Department of Justice; Federal Bureau of Investigation
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Eurojust supports large-scale anti-mafia operation leading to arrest and freezing of EUR 50 million

Source: Eurojust

To support other major mafia families, the OCG was involved in various criminal activities, including extortion, money laundering and the fraudulent transfer of valuables. An integrated network of financial professionals in Italy and around the world helped the OCG to invest its profits in companies in Italy, including a well-known hotel.

In 2016, the suspects moved their activities to Brazil to support another Italian criminal and launder more of their profits. The money arrived in Brazil through multiple transit bank accounts and with the support of their network of financial professionals in Italy.

One of the main members of the mafia family moved to Natal, Brazil, to start several companies using straw men and shell companies. Most of the companies were involved in large real estate and construction projects, such as a building site near the northeastern coast of Brazil. As these real estate projects were guaranteed to generate exceptionally high profits, it was easy for the OCG to hide their criminal gains. The total assets of the family are estimated at over EUR 500 million.

The Italian and Brazilian authorities have been investigating the activities of the OCG since 2022 through a joint investigation team (JIT), set up with the support of Eurojust. Their investigations uncovered the activities of the OCG in Switzerland. Through Eurojust, the Swiss authorities were involved in the JIT’s investigations.

On 13 August, a large coordinated operation took place in Italy, Switzerland and Brazil, with support from Eurojust. In Italy, 21 searches were carried out at the homes of the OCG members and the offices of their companies. A suspect was arrested in Brazil and financial assets worth EUR 50 million euros belonging to 17 individuals (all under investigation) were seized, as well as 12 companies involved in the real estate, construction and hospitality sectors. In Switzerland, the house of an Italian businessman was searched.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Palermo – District Antimafia Directorate; Guardia di Finanza – G.I.C.O. (Organized Crime Investigative Group) of Palermo
  • Brazil: Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Norte
  • Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland; Federal Office of Police fedpol
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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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Visit of Lebanese Minister of Justice Mr Henri Khoury

Source: Eurojust

Mr Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust and Mr Henri Khoury, Minister of Justice of Lebanon

A Lebanese delegation led by Justice Minister Mr Henri Khoury visited Eurojust today, to get better acquainted with the Agency, in particular the protection of personal data processed by Eurojust. The visit was organised by the European Commission in cooperation with Eurojust.

Lebanon is one of the countries the European Commission is negotiating with to work towards an international agreement on cooperation with Eurojust. Minister Khoury was presented with the cooperation modalities the agreement would enable and was informed of the safeguards to protect privacy and personal data that are in place at Eurojust. The Lebanese delegation also met and exchanged views with the EuroMed Justice project team at Eurojust.

Minister Khoury stated: I am honoured to be at Eurojust today for a study visit to get a deeper understanding of data protection processes, which will facilitate future judicial cooperation. I trust this visit will help move closer to an international agreement with Eurojust.

Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: As the international dimension of organised crime grows ever bigger, it is crucial for Eurojust, prosecutors and investigative judges to cooperate with colleagues outside the European Union. It has therefore been important to meet with Minister Khoury to review options for collaboration with Lebanon and we look forward to establishing closer operational ties.

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Eurojust supports international operation against world’s largest ransomware group

Source: Eurojust

In a coordinated action supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities from 10 different countries have severely disrupted LockBit, the world’s most active ransomware operation. Two members of the ransomware team have been arrested in Poland and Ukraine. In addition, law enforcement has compromised LockBit’s primary platform and other enabling infrastructure. This includes the takedown of 34 servers in the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, France, Switzerland, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

LockBit first emerged at the end of 2019, initially calling itself ‘ABCD’ ransomware. Since then, it has grown rapidly and by 2022 had become the most deployed ransomware variant worldwide. LockBit attacks are believed to have affected over 2,500 victims all over the world.

The group is a ‘ransomware-as-a-service’ operation, meaning that a core team creates its malware and runs its website, while licensing out its code to affiliates who launch attacks.

The joint action enabled the various police forces to take control of much of the infrastructure that enables the LockBit ransomware to operate, including the darknet, and, in particular, the ‘wall of shame’ used to publish the data of victims who refused to pay the ransom. This action has disrupted the network’s ability to operate.

Authorities have also frozen more than 200 cryptocurrency accounts linked to the criminal organisation.

This international operation follows a complex investigation led by the UK National Crime Agency. Supported by Eurojust and Europol, law enforcement from nine other countries worked in close partnership with the National Crime Agency on this case, including authorities in France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and Japan.

The case was opened at Eurojust in April 2022 at the request of the French authorities. Five coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and to prepare for the joint action.

Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) organised 27 operational meetings, and 4 technical 1-week sprints to develop the investigative leads in preparation of the final phase of the investigation. Europol also provided analytical, crypto-tracing and forensic support. In addition, three Europol experts were deployed to the command post in London during the action phase.

With Europol’s support, the Japanese Police, the National Crime Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation pooled their technical expertise to develop decryption tools designed to recover files encrypted by the LockBit ransomware. These solutions have been made available free of charge on the ‘No More Ransom’ portal, which is available in 37 languages. So far, more than 6 million victim across the globe have benefited from No More Ransom, which contains over 120 solutions capable of decrypting more than 150 different types of ransomware.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit
  • United States: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark
  • France: JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime) Public Prosecutor’s Office Paris Cybercrime Unit – C3N (cyber unit); Gendarmerie Nationale
  • Germany: Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia (CCD), State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein (LKA Schleswig-Holstein), Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt)
  • Sweden: Swedish Cybercrime Centre, Swedish Prosecution Authority
  • The Netherlands: National Police (Team Cybercrime Zeeland-West-Brabant, Team Cybercrime Oost-Brabant, Team High Tech Crime); Public Prosecutor’s Office Zeeland-West-Brabant
  • Australia: Australian Federal Police
  • Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • Japan: National Police Agency
  • Switzerland: Zurich Cantonal Police; Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zurich
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One of the key leaders of EncroChat extradited to France with the support of Eurojust

Source: Eurojust

An international arrest warrant was issued against the suspect in July 2021. He was extradited to France last week at the request of the Public Prosecutor of Lille.

This dismantling was coordinated and supported by Eurojust and Europol and sent shockwaves through organised crime. Between 2020 and 2023, over 6 500 suspects were arrested and at least EUR 900 million in assets were seized, with investigations still ongoing. Eurojust supported a joint investigation team into the case from 2020.

In an update on the EncroChat investigations, in June 2023, the Public Prosecutor of Lille already announced that potential suspects who were living outside the European Union could be extradited. The French Desk at Eurojust supported the PPO of Lille in contacting the Dominican authorities to arrange the formal extradition to France.

The extradited defendant is suspected, among other things, of participating in a criminal conspiracy to illegally import and acquire illicit drugs, and aiding and abetting their illegal possession, supply and transfer. He is also suspected of participating in a criminal conspiracy, aggravated money laundering, illegal arms possession and supplying or transferring a cryptologic device without integrity control or prior declaration to the authorities.

The person concerned was indicted on 2 February and further legal proceedings will be taken. The accused has been remanded in custody and is still presumed innocent at this stage of the proceedings. Eurojust remains available to support the authorities in case of further requests.

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One of the main key leaders of EncroChat extradited to France with support of Eurojust

Source: Eurojust

An international arrest warrant was issued against the suspect in July 2021. He was extradited to France last week at the request of the Public Prosecutor of Lille.

This dismantling was coordinated and supported by Eurojust and Europol and sent shockwaves through organised crime. Between 2020 and 2023, over 6 500 suspects were arrested and at least EUR 900 million in assets were seized, with investigations still ongoing. Eurojust supported a joint investigation team into the case from 2020.

In an update on the EncroChat investigations, in June 2023, the Public Prosecutor of Lille already announced that potential suspects who were living outside the European Union could be extradited. The French Desk at Eurojust supported the PPO of Lille in contacting the Dominican authorities to arrange the formal extradition to France.

The extradited defendant is suspected, among other things, of participating in a criminal conspiracy to illegally import and acquire illicit drugs, and aiding and abetting their illegal possession, supply and transfer. He is also suspected of participating in a criminal conspiracy, aggravated money laundering, illegal arms possession and supplying or transferring a cryptologic device without integrity control or prior declaration to the authorities.

The person concerned was indicted on 2 February and further legal proceedings will be taken. The accused has been remanded in custody and is still presumed innocent at this stage of the proceedings. Eurojust remains available to support the authorities in case of further requests.

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Support to Dutch action against violation of export sanctions to Russia: three arrests

Source: Eurojust

Eurojust and Europol have supported a coordinated action of the Dutch, German, Latvian, Lithuanian and Canadian authorities against the alleged violation of export sanctions to Russia. During a joint action day, three suspects were arrested and 14 places searched in view of investigations into the illegal export of technological and laboratory equipment, which could be used for military purposes. Such exports are illegal due to the EU-wide sanctions, which were imposed after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

The arrested persons are suspected of being part of an international smuggling network. The physical and digital administration of a Dutch-registered enterprise has been seized, in addition to the enterprise’s bank account and communication tools.

Investigations into the case were initiated at the end of 2023 by the Dutch authorities and led to the uncovering of a web of enterprises, which were used to circumvent the ban on exports to Russia. These enterprises were centred around a Dutch-registered trading company, which was set up in 2017 for the import, export and sales of electro-technical and laboratory equipment, among other goods.

Two of the suspects were administrators of the main trading company. The third suspect is an employee of an external contractor, who is alleged to have been aware of the violation of the export ban. The trading company in question is now run by an administrator in Russia, who is also the sole shareholder.

Eurojust enabled the cross-border judicial cooperation and organised a coordination meeting to prepare for the joint actions, at request of the Dutch authorities. It also set up a coordination centre during the action day, which was held on 9 January.

Europol has been supporting the investigation by providing analytical support, as well as conducting cross-checks on the gathered data.

The actions were carried out at the request of and were supported by the following authorities:

  • The Netherlands: National Prosecution Office for Serious Fraud, Environmental Crime and Asset Confiscation (Functioneel Parket); Investigation Service for Financial and Tax Crime (Fiscale Inlichtingen- en Opsporingsdienst, FIOD)
  • Germany: Public Prosecutor`s Offices of Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Krefeld; Customs Investigation Service (ZFD) with offices in Berlin, Essen and Hamburg
  • Latvia: Prosecutor General’s Office; State Security Service
  • Lithuania: Vilnius Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office, Customs Criminal Service