16 arrests as police target migrant smuggling across the Sava River

Source: Europol

Using overcrowded boats, the suspects willingly put the lives and safety of the migrants at risk. After crossing the river, the migrants were clandestinely transported in various types of vehicles. Hiding them in passenger cars or the cargo areas of transport vehicles, the criminals would move the migrants towards Slovenia, Italy, Germany, and other EU countries. It is estimated that…

Network smuggling migrants via Belarus busted in Poland

Source: Europol

The Polish Border Guard, supported by Europol, has successfully targeted a large criminal network smuggling migrants from Belarus and Russia into the EU. The investigation was conducted within the framework of a Europol Operational Task Force, made up of authorities from Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. A Europol expert supported the operation on the ground in…

EUR 91 million worth of counterfeit and substandard food seized in Europe-wide operation

Source: Europol

OPSON XIII results:11 criminal networks dismantled,104 arrest warrants issued,184 search warrants issued,278 persons reported to judicial authorities,5 821 checks and inspections performed.In total, goods valued at over EUR 91 million were taken off the market.Food fraud, the counterfeiting of food and beverages, and the abuse of geographical indications constitutes a significant and serious crime area which needs to be tackled…

Capture 24: launch of the public vote

Source: Europol

To determine the best entry out of many stunning submissions, we are relying on three distinct ways to determine the winners: one winner will be selected by the international law enforcement community represented in the Europol Headquarters in The Hague. Another winner will be decided by the Heads of Communication of Europe’s law enforcement agencies. For the final winner, we…

47 sedative pills traffickers arrested

Source: Europol

The two main drugs that were trafficked need to be prescribed by medical professionals and are intended to manage panic and anxiety disorders. As these types of prescription drugs can cause disinhibition, euphoria, and relieve anxiety, they are often misused for recreational purposes. Leading up to the action day, the involved authorities had already arrested several suspects and seized more…

Cybercrime week at Europol: European Cybercrime Conference and the 10th anniversary of the J-CAT

Source: Europol

European Cybercrime ConferenceHeld from 16 to 17 October, Europol’s European Cybercrime Conference provided a platform for discussing the latest trends and challenges in cybercrime.More than 460 participants from 82 countries attended, including law enforcement officials, cybersecurity experts, and industry representatives, all focused on bolstering Europe’s security and resilience in the face of growing cyber threats.This year’s conference featured five key…

Charges unveiled in ongoing effort to de-anonymise DDoS group Anonymous Sudan

Source: Europol

Europol coordinated the European dimension of the investigation, working closely with law enforcement agencies across Europe to identify victims and suspects, ensuring swift action in multiple jurisdictions.Victims of the attacks include sensitive government and critical infrastructure targets around the world, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. State Department…

Gang behind ATM attacks taken down

Source: Europol

Unscrupulous attacks with severe collateral damageFor several years now, perpetrators have increasingly been using solid explosives – originating mainly from fireworks – to blow up ATMs. This has significantly augmented the danger and collateral damage of their attacks. The criminals, who are often based in the Netherlands, take extreme risks and act unscrupulously, both at the crime scene and when…

Europol supports Serbia in arresting contract killer disguised as elderly man

Source: Europol

The individual was identified after Europol provided crucial intelligence, developed through its ongoing work in analysing encrypted communication platforms frequently used by organised crime groups.The plot was orchestrated by the head of an organised crime group, who played a key role in recruiting the contract killer and coordinating the logistics of the assassination. The leader of the criminal group organised…

Wine counterfeiters busted in Italy for selling bottles of fake wine for EUR 15 000

Source: Europol

On 14 October, an investigation led by the French Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale), involving the Italian Carabinieri Corps (NAS Carabinieri) and Swiss Federal Police (Police Federale Swiss), supported by Europol and Eurojust, has led to the dismantling of a criminal network counterfeiting French Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines in Italy. The criminal network faked French red wine, charging up to…