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Source: NATO
The NATO STO has announced the winners of the Women & Girls in Science 2025 (WGS25) Challenge, an initiative aimed at promoting scientific excellence across the Alliance. The WGS25 Finale, held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 6 June, brought together 12 finalists from 11 NATO Nations to present research proposals that address key challenges in defence and security.
Source: Eurojust
With support from Eurojust and Europol, Romanian and UK authorities have taken decisive action against a human trafficking network that forced at least 27 young female victims into prostitution. During a coordinated action day, twelve suspects have been identified and forty places were searched, while victims were brought to safety. Eurojust supported the action by setting up and financing a joint investigation team (JIT) in November 2024.
Since 2019, the perpetrators have recruited young female victims from poor backgrounds or from social care centres without relatives, mainly in Bucharest and the Romanian Prahova region. Using the so-called ‘lover boy method’, the perpetrators promised the victims job opportunities in sectors such as catering or tourism, but in reality forced them into prostitution in Romania and the United Kingdom. This often occurred after they were deprived of their identity documents.
The criminal network behind the human trafficking arranged for transport and housing in the UK. According to estimates from the Romanian authorities, they allegedly made profits of up to EUR 5.3 million. The identified perpetrators are suspected of organising a criminal group, engaging in continuous human trafficking, pimping and money laundering.
Eurojust assisted the Romanian and UK authorities in setting up and financing the JIT, as well as organising three coordination meetings to prepare for the joint action in both countries. Experts from Europol’s European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC) provided analytical support and facilitated the exchange of intelligence and operational data between national authorities.
The operations were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:
Source: Eurojust
The Italian authorities were investigating a criminal group based in southern Sardinia, composed of eight individuals who were importing large quantities of cocaine from the Netherlands. The drugs were loaded into vehicles with hidden compartments at the bottom. After hiding the cocaine, the vehicles were driven to Italy, where the drugs were sold to local traffickers in Sardinia. During the investigation, over 20 kilograms of pure cocaine were seized, and three couriers were arrested.
The cooperation with the Netherlands has started four years ago on the basis of mutual legal assistance on both police and judicial level. It culminated in an action day on 11 June, which took place simultaneously in Italy and the Netherlands. During the action day, two suspects were arrested in Italy and one in the Netherlands. In Italy, EUR 3 million and 90 properties were seized, along with bank accounts and vehicles. In the Netherlands parts of the EUR 600 000 profits of the Dutch suspect were seized.
Eurojust coordinated the international cooperation in the cross-border investigation, ensuring that four European Investigation Orders were executed to gather information and continue the investigation into the criminal network. The Agency supported the action day on 11 June by preparing the European Arrest Warrant executed in the Netherlands.
The following authorities carried out the operation:
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…
Source: Interpol (news and events)
SINGAPORE – More than 20,000 malicious IP addresses or domains linked to information stealers have been taken down in an INTERPOL-coordinated operation against cybercriminal infrastructure.
During Operation Secure (January – April 2025) law enforcement agencies from 26 countries worked to locate servers, map physical networks and execute targeted takedowns.
Ahead of the operation, INTERPOL cooperated with private-sector partners Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro to produce Cyber Activity Reports, sharing critical intelligence with cyber teams across Asia. These coordinated efforts resulted in the takedown of 79 per cent of identified suspicious IP addresses.
Participating countries reported the seizure of 41 servers and over 100 GB of data, as well as the arrest of 32 suspects linked to illegal cyber activities.
Infostealer malware is a primary tool for gaining unauthorized access to organizational networks. This type of malicious software extracts sensitive data from infected devices, often referred to as bots. The stolen information typically includes browser credentials, passwords, cookies, credit card details and cryptocurrency wallet data.
Additionally, logs harvested by infostealers are increasingly traded on the cybercriminal underground and are frequently used as a gateway for further attacks. These logs often enable initial access for ransomware deployments, data breaches, and cyber-enabled fraud schemes such as Business Email Compromise (BEC).
Following the operation, authorities notified over 216,000 victims and potential victims so they could take immediate action – such as changing passwords, freezing accounts, or removing unauthorized access.
Vietnamese police arrested 18 suspects, seizing devices from their homes and workplaces. The group’s leader was found with over VND 300 million (USD 11,500) in cash, SIM cards and business registration documents, pointing to a scheme to open and sell corporate accounts.
As part of their respective enforcement efforts under Operation Secure, house raids were carried out by authorities in Sri Lanka and Nauru. These actions led to the arrest of 14 individuals – 12 in Sri Lanka and two in Nauru – as well as the identification of 40 victims.
The Hong Kong Police analysed over 1,700 pieces of intelligence provided by INTERPOL and identified 117 command-and-control servers hosted across 89 internet service providers. These servers were used by cybercriminals as central hubs to launch and manage malicious campaigns, including phishing, online fraud and social media scams.
Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, said:
“INTERPOL continues to support practical, collaborative action against global cyber threats. Operation Secure has once again shown the power of intelligence sharing in disrupting malicious infrastructure and preventing large-scale harm to both individuals and businesses.”
Notes to editors
Operation Secure is a regional initiative organized under the Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations Against Cybercrime (ASPJOC) Project.
Participating countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Korea (Rep of), Laos, Macau (China), Malaysia, Maldives, Nauru, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam.
Source: NATO
Four military police vehicles were donated to the Military Police of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a ceremony held today (10 June 2025), at the Rajlovac barracks. The ceremony marked the completion of the delivery of this equipment and associated training, under Slovenia’s lead, in the framework of NATO’s Defence Capacity Building Package for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Piers Cazalet, Director for Defence and Security Cooperation at NATO Headquarters in Brussels participated, together with high-level representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the International Community, including Zukan Helez, Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borut Sajovic, Minister of Defence of Slovenia, Brigadier General Matthew Valas, Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, and Ambassador Vladimir Vucinic, Head of the NATO Political Engagement Support Cell.
“Today, we take stock of an important milestone in NATO’s cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Mr. Cazalet said. “Slovenia’s steadfast leadership has been key to complete this programme. Slovenia is the first NATO Ally that stepped up its support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, when the NATO Defence Capacity Building Package of assistance was agreed; thanks to Slovenia, the Armed Force of Bosnia and Herzegovina are now better equipped and trained to conduct military police tasks, to cooperate with civilian authorities in the event of emergencies, and to be interoperable with NATO in operations and missions; this is a win-win for all,” he added.
In February 2023, Allied Defence Ministers endorsed a new Defence Capacity Building package for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This assistance package will strengthen the country’s defence and security capabilities, including in areas such as crisis management, cyber defence, aero-medical evacuation and countering terrorism.
Source: NATO
On Thursday (5 June 2025), NATO Defence Ministers endorsed a new strategy that guides Alliance-wide scientific and technological research in support of defence and security.
The NATO Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy stresses the importance of science and technology “to enable the Alliance to outperform strategic competitors and potential adversaries in inserting scientific knowledge and adopting emerging technologies across all NATO core tasks”. It further emphasises the role that defence and security-related science and technology plays in the development of capabilities and enhancement of military interoperability, as well as in the further reinforcement of societal, political and industrial resilience.
The Strategy sets three mutually-reinforcing strategic goals for the NATO S&T Enterprise:
The new Strategy supersedes the NATO S&T Strategy released in 2018. It supports NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept and takes accounts of the science & technology macro trends that the Science and Technology Organization (STO) has identified as important for the Alliance for the next 20 years, and outlined in its 2025-2045 report (hyperlink).
The Strategy is available here.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
New INTERPOL taskforce targeting criminal networks in Latin America launched during Brazilian state visit to international police’s global headquarters
LYON, France – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva today underscored Brazil’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime during his visit to INTERPOL, the world’s largest policing organization.
The visit represents a strong endorsement of INTERPOL’s mission and its leadership role as central to tackling one of the most urgent security challenges of our time.
A new INTERPOL Task Force Against Organized Crime in Latin America was also officially launched during the visit of President Lula and the Brazilian delegation, which included Ricardo Lewandowski, Minister of Justice and Public Security, Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrei Augusto Passos Rodrigues, General Director of the Brazilian Federal Police and the Ministers of Mines and Energy, and of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Aimed at targeting criminal networks and drug trafficking across the region and beyond, the International joint Task force, based at INTERPOL’s offices in Latin America and the Caribbean, will focus on disrupting and dismantling the most dangerous transnational organized crime groups, capturing high-value targets, and targeting the financial infrastructure of these networks.
The Letter of Intent between Brazil and INTERPOL signed during the state visit will see an even greater exchange of information, expertise and best practice in the fight against crime, further strengthening Brazil’s position as a leader in combating all forms of crime.
Welcomed by INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza and President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the Brazilian President was briefed on INTERPOL’s critical work in supporting member countries to protect vulnerable populations, preserve the environment and dismantle organized crime networks.
President Lula said:
“The election of Valdecy Urquiza as Secretary General of INTERPOL is recognition of Brazil’s prominent role in combating transnational crime.
“This Organization works to search for and apprehend some of the most dangerous criminals on the planet, combats terrorism, rescues victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, and protects the environment.
“Crime is evolving at an unprecedented speed, requiring urgent and coordinated multilateral action.
“No country will be able to defeat transnational crime alone.
“As with other current challenges that require collective action, such as climate change and digital governance, police cooperation will remain a priority in Brazilian foreign policy.”
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:
“We are confronting a security landscape more volatile than ever, as transnational organized crime reaches unprecedented levels — more dynamic, more digital, and more deeply embedded across borders.
“This is no longer just a security issue. Organized crime is a global phenomenon threatening justice, undermining climate resilience, as well as stalling social and economic progress.
“The threat is real, it is growing, and the moment to act is now.
“The agreement between INTERPOL and Brazil sends a powerful message: we are placing the fight against organized crime at the top of the global agenda.
“Now is the time for countries to follow Brazil’s lead and reinforce INTERPOL’s efforts. Only by working together — through a truly global and coordinated response — can we dismantle criminal networks and ensure a safer world for all.”
During the visit, President Lula awarded Secretary General Urquiza with Brazil’s Order of Rio Branco Medal, at the rank of Grand Officer. Established in 1963, the decoration recognizes individuals—both Brazilian and foreign—who have made significant contributions to Brazil’s international relations and global cooperation.
Source: NATO
On Monday 9 June [2025] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte gave a keynote speech at Chatham House in London, United Kingdom. “Building A Better NATO” outlines Mr Rutte’s priorities for the Alliance at the NATO Summit in The Hague (24-25 June) in light of growing security challenges. It also provides factual context for his expectation that Allies will agree to invest 5% of their GDP in defence.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
New INTERPOL taskforce targeting criminal networks in Latin America launched during Brazilian state visit to international police’s global headquarters
LYON, France – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva today underscored Brazil’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime during his visit to INTERPOL, the world’s largest policing organization.
The visit represents a strong endorsement of INTERPOL’s mission and its leadership role as central to tackling one of the most urgent security challenges of our time.
A new INTERPOL Taskforce Against Organized Crime in Latin America was also officially launched during the visit of President Lula and the Brazilian delegation, which included Ricardo Lewandowski, Minister of Justice and Public Security, Mauro Vieira Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrei Augusto Passos Rodrigues, General Director of the Brazilian Federal Police and the Ministers of Mines and Energy, and of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Aimed at targeting criminal networks and drug trafficking across the region and beyond, the International joint Taskforce, based at INTERPOL’s offices in Latin America and the Caribbean, will focus on disrupting and dismantling the most dangerous transnational organized crime groups, capturing high-value targets, and targeting the financial infrastructure of these networks.
The Letter of Intent between Brazil and INTERPOL signed during the state visit will see an even greater exchange of information, expertise and best practice in the fight against crime, further strengthening Brazil’s position as a leader in combating all forms of crime.
Welcomed by INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza and President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the Brazilian President was briefed on INTERPOL’s critical work in supporting member countries protect vulnerable populations, preserve the environment and dismantle organized crime networks.
President Lula said:
“The election of Valdecy Urquiza as Secretary General of INTERPOL is recognition of Brazil’s prominent role in combating transnational crime.
“This organization works to search for and apprehend some of the most dangerous criminals on the planet, combats terrorism, rescues victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, and protects the environment.
“Crime is evolving at an unprecedented speed, requiring urgent and coordinated multilateral action.
“No country will be able to defeat transnational crime alone.
“As with other current challenges that require collective action, such as climate change and digital governance, police cooperation will remain a priority in Brazilian foreign policy.”
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:
“We are confronting a security landscape more volatile than ever, as transnational organized crime reaches unprecedented levels — more dynamic, more digital, and more deeply embedded across borders.
“This is no longer just a security issue. Organized crime is a global phenomenon threatening justice, undermining climate resilience, as well as stalling social and economic progress.
“The threat is real, it is growing, and the moment to act is now.
“The agreement between INTERPOL and Brazil sends a powerful message: we are placing the fight against organized crime at the top of the global agenda.
“Now is the time for countries to follow Brazil’s lead and reinforce INTERPOL’s efforts. Only by working together — through a truly global and coordinated response — can we dismantle criminal networks and ensure a safer world for all.”
During the visit, President Lula awarded Secretary General Urquiza with Brazil’s Order of Rio Branco Medal, at the rank of Grand Officer. Established in 1963, the decoration recognizes individuals—both Brazilian and foreign—who have made significant contributions to Brazil’s international relations and global cooperation.