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Source: Europol
A cross-border investigation led by the Romanian Police (Poliția Română), supported by Europol and involving the Bulgarian General Directorate Combating Organised Crime (Главна Дирекция Борба с организираната престъпност) and the German Police (Bundespolizeiinspektion Waidhaus), has resulted in the dismantling of an organised crime group involved in migrant smuggling. The group were smuggling migrants from Bulgaria to Romania, across the Danube…
Source: Europol
During the action day on 12 March, authorities also conducted 26 searches in Belgium, Israel, Netherlands and Slovakia, resulting in the seizure of: 165 luxury watches with certificates, jewellery and other counterfeit products;200 diamonds;EUR 209 000 in cash;Crypto ledgers;Weapons;14 kg of drugs;Multiple electronic devices, including phones and computers;Credit cards and financial documentation.Additional involvement in drug traffickingThe investigation started in 2022, when…
Source: Europol
Europol has supported the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) in an operation targeting a criminal organisation trafficking human beings for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation in Spain. The investigation has resulted in 17 arrests and the safeguarding of 13 victims.The suspects were arrested in Madrid, Palma, Barcelona and Poland during an…
Source: Europol
Overall results of the two action days:The leader of the network (High Value Target), a woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina, was arrested in Bosnia and Herzegovina18 significant criminal organisation members arrested (9 in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 9 in Croatia)10 locations searched (in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia)Seizures include vehicles, electronic equipment and about EUR 65 000 in cashShift in…
Source: Europol
Overall results of the four action days:11 arrests (3 Palestinians, 3 Latvians, 2 Iranians, 2 Syrians, 1 Lebanese),4 print shops dismantled,Seizures including:4 650 illegal documents,electronic equipment,10 high-end laser printers and other equipment/material for the production of false documents,over EUR 20 000 in cash.Up to EUR 1 200 for a false IDThe investigation identified that the criminal network was active since…
Source: Europol
Officers learned how to carry out targeted investigations against perpetrators suspected of abusing their own children or at least possessing and distributing material depicting the sexual abuse of children. During the action, over 100 000 illegal files were seized. As the forensic examination of the seized digital devices is still ongoing, investigators estimate that a final total of more than…
Source: Europol
Who was involved?This year’s exercise brought together law enforcement representatives involved in applying both the EU Crisis Protocol and Regulation (EU) 2021/784, online service providers, the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), as well as policymakers from governments and EU bodies.A rapid, coordinated response to terrorist content onlineThe EU Crisis Protocol, adopted by the Justice and Home Affairs Ministers…
Source: Europol
The new report offers a strategic and top-level summary of the EU drug market, based on a robust understanding of the current drug landscape and emerging threats. It also provides an overview of key developments by drug and outlines actions to address current threats and increase preparedness.The report is the final module of the broader EU Drug Markets: In-depth analysis…
Source: Europol
The EU retail drug market is estimated to be worth at least EUR 30 billion annually and is a major source of income for organised crime. The large-scale production of cannabis and synthetic drugs taking place in the EU or the drug flows of particularly cocaine arriving from Latin America, are examples of how Europe takes a central position in…
Source: Eurojust
With the support of Eurojust and Europol, authorities in Belgium and Hungary have taken action against an organised crime group involved in the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation. During a joint action, eight suspects were arrested in both countries. Several victims have been identified and brought to safety. Eurojust assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.
During an international operation carried out on 20 February, eight suspects were arrested: six in Belgium and two in Hungary. The police seized 15 luxury vehicles, around EUR 34,000 in cash and EUR 9,500 in gold and silver during the searches in Belgium. In Hungary, a luxury vehicle, EUR 6,000 in cash and four wristwatches were seized.
The case was opened by Eurojust in February 2023 at the request of the Belgian authorities. A JIT was set up between the Belgian and Hungarian authorities with the support of Eurojust in May 2023. One coordination meeting was hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation.
Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided support during the investigation. Europol also provided operational analysis, operational intelligence and coordinated operational activities. During the action day, Europol deployed two Europol experts to Belgium and one to Hungary to provide analytical and technical support to the national authorities.
The following authorities took part in this investigation: