8 arrests for migrant smuggling and drug trafficking across the Mediterranean

Source: Europol

The action day led to the following results:8 arrests, including the leaders of the criminal organisation (4 in Algeciras, 3 in Ceuta and 1 in Ibiza)7 property searches in Algeciras, Ceuta and IbizaSeizure of 22 kilos of cannabis and 10 800 tablets of a type of medication used by criminals to prepare a dangerous hallucinogenic mix known as “poor man’s…

Europe-wide takedown hits longest-standing dark web drug market

Source: Europol

Between 11 and 13 June, a series of coordinated actions took place across Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors, and technical infrastructure. Around 300 officers were deployed to carry out enforcement actions and secure critical evidence.Archetyp Market operated as a drug marketplace for over five years, amassing more than 600 000 users worldwide…

SIRIUS SPoC Network Meets in Warsaw to Tackle E-Evidence Challenges

Source: Europol

SIRIUS is an EU-funded project that helps law enforcement and judicial authorities access cross-border electronic evidence in the context of criminal investigations and proceedings. Co-implemented by Europol and Eurojust, the SIRIUS project is a central reference point in the EU for knowledge sharing on cross-border access to electronic evidence.The meeting in Warsaw focused on the impact of the recently adopted…

Frozen yucca, hidden cocaine: drug route from Costa Rica to Europe dismantled

Source: Europol

The investigation targeted a criminal network that used companies in Costa Rica to receive cocaine from Colombia and conceal it in shipments of frozen yucca powder destined for Europe. The group relied on legitimate logistics chains to disguise their criminal activities and move cocaine by sea and air in small quantities to avoid detection.Shifting logistical routes in response to law…

Steal, Deal, Repeat: Cybercriminals cash in on your data

Source: Europol

Europol’s 2025 Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), published today, reveals how stolen data fuels the digital underworld, powering a criminal ecosystem that spans from online fraud and ransomware to child exploitation and extortion. The report paints a stark picture of a cybercrime economy built on access—access to your systems, your identity, and your most sensitive information.The Head of Europol’s…

50 arrested and 4 tonnes of cocaine seized in major hit against drug trafficking in Spain

Source: Europol

Results of the operation:48 suspects arrested3.8 tonnes of cocaine seized29 house searches in Fuerteventura (2), Gran Canaria (13) and Lanzarote (14)69 vehicles seized (19 boats and speedboats)6 properties seizedEUR 100 000 in cash seizedEuropol played a key role in the investigation by providing crucial analytical and financial support that contributed to the success of the operation. On the action day,…

Bulgarian authorities arrest 18 for smuggling migrants across its southern border

Source: Europol

On 3 June, law enforcement carried out raids in five major cities across Bulgaria under the supervision of the Burgas Prosecutor’s Office. Officers from Greece, Romania and Moldova joined Bulgarian investigators on the ground, with Europol also deployed to support the action. In total, 18 people were arrested, including a high-value target.The criminal network used a variety of vehicles to…

74 handguns and automatic rifles seized, 11 firearms traffickers arrested

Source: Europol

On the action day, 50 handguns of one specific make, 13 further handguns, 4 machine guns, 4 rifles, 1 revolver, 2 alarm pistols, 4 large-capacity magazines for automatic weapons, 16 other magazines and 2 homemade clubs were seized. In one location, law enforcement officers found a drug laboratory and over 450 kilos of a novel synthetic drug. Furthermore, the site…

Europol coordinates operation against terrorist content online targeting minors

Source: Europol

The referral day took place only a few weeks after Europol launched a new Operational Taskforce to tackle the rising trend of recruiting young perpetrators into serious and organised crime. Recent data provided to Europol reveals that minors are now involved in over 70% of criminal markets. Protecting children from being recruited and exploited by criminal networks is one of…

Marseille: 16 arrests in a crackdown on a network with ties to the Sinaloa cartel

Source: Europol

Two main organisers identifiedIn June 2024, the French authorities seized 216 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and arrested two French nationals in connection with the case. The subsequent criminal investigation revealed a criminal network involved in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs with strong ties to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel as well as to criminal gangs active in Belgium, Spain,…