Europol and Eurojust launch Phase 3 of SIRIUS project

Source: Europol

Phase 3 of the SIRIUS project will continue to assist LEAs, JAs, and service providers in navigating the increasingly complex legal framework. The project will continue to foster close cooperation between the public and private sectors, ensuring that criminal investigations are more effective and efficient in the digital age. The adoption of new EU-wide legislation, alongside key international agreements such…

Announcing the winners of the 2024 Europol photo competition

Source: Europol

Three awards were given out this year, each decided by a different group of voters:the international law enforcement community represented in our headquarters, the Heads of Communication of the European law enforcement authorities, and members of the public.We are happy to announce that Sergio Chicharro from Spain, Connie Maria Westergaard from Denmark a Capture two-time winner, and Sara Teixeira from…

EUR 2.7 million seized in European operation against money laundering and cash smuggling

Source: Europol

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 likely to increase in the upcoming months as many discoveries are currently being prosecuted. In addition to cash, authorities also seized valuable items such as gold and jewellery, including 18 gold bars with…

Europol analysis reveals how criminal networks exploit legal businesses to strengthen their grip on the economy

Source: Europol

The key findings of today’s report cover the following areas:The types of businesses prone to abuseOrganised crime activities enabled by legal businessesMethods used by criminals to exploit these structuresA critical enabler of organised crimeThe report identifies the abuse of legal businesses as a key enabler of organised crime. Legal business structures are integral to laundering criminal proceeds, distorting economic competition,…

9 drug traffickers arrested and EUR 27 million in cryptocurrencies seized

Source: Europol

Paper trail on euro banknotesIn 2021, cash was seized during a house search in connection with an investigation into cocaine trafficking. Some of the five-euro notes had handwritten inscriptions that provided information on who was coordinating and facilitating the financial aspect of the drug trafficking.The Spanish Guardia Civil submitted this information to Europol, which cross-checked it against the data gathered…

Latvian authorities dismantle massive illegal cigarette factory

Source: Europol

Searches were conducted simultaneously at multiple locations. The State Police carried out 26 searches in Riga, discovering warehouses containing cigarettes and detaining 7 individuals, including 6 Latvian and 1 Russian national. Meanwhile, the State Border Guard carried out 8 searches in Ludza, Rēzekne and Daugavpils, detaining 25 Ukrainian nationals at the Ludza factory, where counterfeit cigarettes were being manufactured under…

Europol spearheads largest referral action against online hate speech

Source: Europol

In total, 12 countries collected over 6 350 links from 46 online platforms and 20 websites that incite violence or contain hate speech against ethnoreligious groups. This includes material produced or disseminated by organisations, individuals or groups containing illegal hate speech, such as anti-Semitic hate speech, as well as material celebrating or calling for violent or terrorist acts against an…

796 arrests in massive EU action against organised crime

Source: Europol

The scale and scope of this operation were designed to be as wide as possible. Checks and searches encompassed both the physical and the online world, including the clear web, the dark web, and social media platforms. Notably, these ‘cyber patrols’ involved not only law enforcement authorities but also prosecutors from different jurisdictions, adding significant value to their operational effectiveness.In…

New report: Terrorists exploiting global tensions

Source: Europol

Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, said:In today’s changing world, terrorist actors are continuously adapting their narratives, outreach and activities in response to the most recent geopolitical and socioeconomic developments. The targeting of young people and their involvement by terrorist groups, including their active role in the production of online propaganda and the planning of attacks, is an increasing…