43 arrested after 27 poisoned by clams in Spain

An investigation into the trafficking of contaminated clams resulted in dismantling a large organised crime network involving poachers, intermediaries and distribution companies responsible for the food poisoning of at least 27 individuals in Spain.

Advisory Network on Terrorism and Propaganda Workshop: “Defining the global right-wing extremist movement”

Right-wing extremism and terrorism are of increasing concern to EU Member States, the European Union and Europol. An efficient response to the threat must be based on a thorough understanding of the actors and dynamics that drive violent right-wing extremism.

Dismantling an international cocaine trafficking network

An international criminal group specialised in cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe through a company from Moldova, has been dismantled with authorities working together from Belgium and the Republic of Moldova, with the support of Europol. 

Marine pollution: thousands of serious offences exposed in global operation

A global law enforcement operation involving 61 countries has identified thousands of illicit activities behind severe marine pollution as well as hundreds of violations and exposed serious cases of contamination worldwide. Codenamed 30 Days at Sea 2.0, the month-long (1-31 October) operation gathered more than 200 enforcement authorities worldwide for concerted action across all continents.

No crime goes unpunished on the Darknet: 11 arrested for buying counterfeit euros

Between 9 and 11 December 2019 Europol coordinated joint raids against the sale of counterfeit euro banknotes on illegal platforms on the Darknet.

Migrants smuggled by leisure boats on Adriatic Sea: 8 arrested in Greece and Italy

Law enforcement authorities from Greece and Italy, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have dismantled a large organised crime group smuggling migrants by leisure boats / pleasure crafts via the Adriatic Sea.

Migrant smuggling network in France and Italy busted

Law enforcement authorities from France and Italy, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have dismantled a large organised crime group smuggling migrants from Italy via France and Germany towards other European countries. On the action day, law enforcement authorities carried out a number of house searches and arrested 11 Pakistani nationals (10 in Italy and 1 in France) suspected of being members of the criminal network. 

Three arrested for blowing up ATMs in Germany and Hungary

Law enforcement authorities from Germany and Hungary, supported by Europol and Eurojust, dismantled an organised criminal group suspected of carrying out automatic teller machine (ATMs) attacks in the eastern part of the German state of Hessen.

Four arrested for blowing up ATMs in Germany and Hungary

Law enforcement authorities from Germany and Hungary, supported by Europol and Eurojust, dismantled an organised criminal group suspected of carrying out automatic teller machine (ATMs) attacks in the eastern part of the German state of Hessen.

Large-scale document forgery: five arrests thanks to cooperation between Ireland and Spain

On 10 December 2019, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carried out a search and arrest operation – operation Mombasa – which was supported by officers from the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and Europol.

Operation Chemosh: how encrypted chat groups exchanged emoji ‘stickers’ of child sexual abuse

A successful operation in encrypted chat groups has been carried out by Policia Nacional of Spain.  The investigation, begun in 2017 and led by the Central High Tech Crime Unit, has led to search and arrest actions in Spain, Italy and France.

Illicit drugs in the EU: the situation is expanding in scale and complexity

On 4 and 5 December, over 150 delegates from EU Member States, third partner countries and 9 international organisations gathered at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague for the 3rd annual conference: Drugs in Europe: tackling top-level drug trafficking organisations and large scale supply. The conference focused on the fact that the drugs situation in Europe is unprecedented, expanding in scale and complexity as the supply is increasing across all drug commodities. 

CROATIAN POLICE ARREST AND DISMANTLE ORGANISED CRIME GROUP IN LARGE INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATION

Last week, the Croatian National Police Office for Suppression of Corruption and Organised Crime in collaboration with the prosecutor’s office, tax administration, customs and in cooperation with Europol conducted a complex international criminal investigation of an organised crime group (OCG) for acting in a criminal enterprise, tax evasion,

68 arrested in Spain for pumping out 76 million kilos of CO2

The Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil), supported by Europol, carried out an operation targeting companies involved in considerable gas emissions attacking the atmosphere. The operation led to the investigation of 30 companies involved in illegal emissions of polluting substances and the arrests of 68 individuals. The companies are suspected of releasing around 76 million kilos of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. To put this into perspective, a car would have to drive 800 million kilometres to release the same amount.

Crime group suspected of smuggling nuclear materials arrested in Vienna

Austrian law enforcement together with the General Police Inspectorate of The Republic of Moldova (National Investigative Inspectorate) coordinated and supported by Europol, have jointly investigated and arrested an organised crime group suspected of smuggling nuclear materials. The cooperation, that included transnational investigative measures, targeted a group of criminals when they attempted to sell nuclear container which allegedly contained radiological material to an army for €3 million.

Europol coordinates referral action day to combat manuals and tutorials on improvised explosive devices including CBRN

On 27 and 28 November 2019, the European Union Internet Referral Unit (EU IRU) at Europol organised its 17th Joint Referral Action Day with specialised units from EU Member States, non-EU countries 1 and other Europol specialised units. 

228 arrests and over 3800 money mules identified in global action against money laundering

Law enforcement authorities from 31 countries, supported by Europol, Eurojust and the European Banking Federation (EBF), have stepped up their efforts to crack down on money mule schemes that rope in victims often unaware that the money they are sending is part of an elaborated money laundering scheme. 

Multi-agency meeting targeting illicit cigarette production

On 14 November 2019, Europol’s AP Smoke organised an operational meeting at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague. This multi-agency meeting was attended by authorities from the Netherlands (FIOD), Belgium (Customs), Sweden (Customs), and Spain (Guardia Civil).

30 506 internet domain names shut down for intellectual property infringement

Law enforcement authorities from 18 EU Member States1 and third parties in a joint investigation with Europol and the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre 2, facilitated by Eurojust and INTERPOL, have seized over 30 506 domain names that distributed counterfeit and pirated items over the internet during oper

International crackdown on RAT spyware, which takes total control of victims’ PCs

A hacking tool that was able to give full remote control of a victim’s computer to cybercriminals has been taken down as a result of an international law enforcement operation targeting the sellers and users of the Imminent Monitor Remote Access Trojan (IM-RAT).

String of tractor satnav thefts brought to an end by France and Lithuania

On 26 November, the French National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie nationale) and the Lithuanian Police (Lietuvos Policija) supported by Europol, have dismantled an organised crime group involved in the theft of navigation systems from tractors. 

No safe shores for migrant smugglers

Sharing expertise and knowledge is crucial to combat ruthless criminals risking migrants’ lives for their highly profitable criminal activity. On 25 and 26 November, Europol has hosted experts from EU Members states, third party countries and international organisations gathered at the annual meeting of Joint Operational Team (JOT) MARE. 

FOOTBALL MATCH-FIXING: 9 ARRESTS IN SPAIN

On 26 November 2019, the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional), with the support of Europol’s experts on sports corruption, arrested nine individuals in connection with match-fixing and money laundering during the second phase of operation Oikos. 

79 arrested in worldwide crackdown on airline fraud

Between 18 – 22 November 2019, 60 countries, 56 airlines and 12 online travel agencies were involved in the 12th edition of the Global Airline Action Days (GAAD), an international and multidisciplinary operation to fight fraudulent online purchases of flight tickets with compromised credit card data, which took place at more than 200 airports across the world.

2019 EU DRUG MARKETS REPORT FROM THE EMCDDA AND EUROPOL

26.11.2019, BRUSSELS

EU law enforcement and judicial authorities join forces to disrupt terrorist propaganda online

Between 21-24 November, law enforcement and judicial authorities in Europe launched a joint action against the so-called Islamic State (IS) to disrupt the online activities of this terrorist organisation.

Europol and Telegram take on terrorist propaganda online

On 21-22 November 2019, Europol’s European Union Internet Referral Unit (EU IRU) organised at its headquarters in The Hague the 16th joint Referral Action Days.  This coordinated action focused on the dissemination of online terrorist content. Among the items referred were propaganda videos and social media accounts glorifying or supporting terrorism and violent extremism.

More cooperation and inclusion to better protect EU citizens

On 22 November, the Heads of the nine EU Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies met at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague. The discussions focused on the implementation of the New Strategic Agenda 2019-2024, the state-of-play of the interoperability project and the common efforts in reinforcing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  

17 arrested in Poland for migrant smuggling and using fake documents

On 18 November 2019, the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) under the supervision of the regional prosecutor’ s office and supported by Europol, dismantled an organised crime group involved in migrant smuggling and facilitation of irregular migration. 

Referral Action Day against Islamic State online terrorist propaganda

Between 21-22 November 2019, the 16th Referral Action Day coordinated by the European Union Internet Referral Unit took place at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague. This action was joined by a total of 9 online service providers, including Telegram, Google, Files.fm, Twitter, Instagram and Dropbox.  

Coming soon: 2019 EU Drug Markets Report from Europol and the EMCDDA

Drug trafficking is a highly profitable commercial activity and remains a core business for organised crime groups across Europe today. Understanding the reality of the European drug market requires a holistic approach, following the supply chain from production and trafficking to distribution and sales.

Capacity building to tackle audiovisual piracy

During a two-day seminar at Eurojust in The Hague, over 70 law enforcement officers and prosecutors from EU Member States and officers from Europol and Eurojust joined forces to improve the sharing of expertise and information to tackle audiovisual piracy.

354 arrests in cross-border bust of Russian-speaking crime gangs

From 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2019, the German State Criminal Police Office (Landeskriminalamt, LKA) of Berlin in cooperation with LKA Brandenburg managed project LIMES, an EU-funded project from the Internal Security Fund. The international operation targeted international motor vehicle thefts and Russian-speaking organised crime groups.

Nine arrested and three detained in Romania and the UK in sexual exploitation network bust

On 19 November, the United Kingdom’s South Yorkshire Police and the Romanian National Police (Poliția Română), supported by Europol and Eurojust, dismantled an organised crime group involved in human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Europol hosts second European Youth Day at its headquarters

Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) joined the celebrations this year by organising earlier in October the second European Youth Day, the theme of which was “Say No! It’s your life!”. 

23 arrests and around 10 000 cultural items seized in an operation targeting Italian archaeological trafficking

On 18 November 2019, an international police operation involving over 350 police officers, supported by Europol (within the framework of EMPACT) and Eurojust, dismantled an international organised crime group involved in large-scale trafficking of looted archaeological items resulting in the arrest of 23 individuals, 80 house searches, and the se

10 individuals who robbed moving lorries in France arrested with help of Europol

On 6 November 2019, an international police operation, known as Operation Diligence, supported by Europol, led to the arrest of 10 suspects believed to be behind a number of cargo thefts from moving lorries in France. The operation led by the French Gendarmerie (Office central de lutte contre la délinquance itinérante) in close cooperation with Romania and Europol started earlier this year.

1 176 kg of cocaine hidden in bananas seized in Italy

On Monday 11 November 2019, the Italian Carabinieri (Carabinieri) and the Italian Finance Corps (Guardia di Finanza), supported by Italian Customs, Europol and Frontex, seized 1 176 kg of cocaine worth €250 million in the Port of Gioia Tauro, southwest Italy. The shipping documents show that the container was destined for Germany. 

Large network smuggling migrants in lorries dismantled in Germany and Romania

On 13 November 2019, the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) and the Romanian Police (Poliția Română) supported by Europol, concluded their operation into a large criminal network smuggling migrants to western Europe in lorries. Austria, Hungary, the United Kingdom and Eurojust also took part in this two-year, Europe-wide operation. 

15 arrested in a hit against human trafficking gang in Lithuania and Spain

On 12 November 2019, the Lithuanian Police (Lietuvos Policija) and the Spanish National Police (Policía National) supported by Europol and Eurojust, have dismantled a large organised crime group involved in human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Illegal tobacco factory dismantled in Hungary

Six million cigarettes and enough tobacco to produce 21 million cigarettes found in an illegal factory in Budapest.    Hungarian customs officers arrested 20 factory employees and the ringleaders behind the operation.

Criminal group producing and circulating fake euro banknotes in Spain and Portugal busted

Officers arrested six individuals for producing fake euro banknotes and introducing them into circulation through shops and bars in Spain and Portugal. On the day of the operation, investigators found a clandestine print shop in one of the two facilities searched by the police.

EU Agencies join 10-year anniversary of EU’s Fundamental Rights Charter

The nine EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies are marking the 10-year anniversary of the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights by pledging to continue to respect and promote fundamental rights throughout the work.

2019 Virtual Global Taskforce Releases Environmental Scan

The Internet has transformed the threat of child sexual abuse into a global issue. Despite the improved cooperation amongst countries, there are still many barriers to providing a streamlined global response. 

Strengthening co-operation in the fight against IP crime

The EU’s Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation Europol and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have today formally signed an agreement to further increase cooperation in fighting infringements of intellectual property rights, both online and offline.

9 suspects arrested in Poland for luxury car theft

Polish Border Guard and the Swedish police, supported by Europol, have dismantled an organised crime group involved in the theft of luxury cars across Europe. 

17 tonnes of food infected with listeria seized in Spain

 Listeria outbreak in Spain could be linked to case involving eight individuals The group knew the food products contained the harmful bacteria but failed to inform the authorities

Over 5 tonnes of smuggled glass eels seized in Europe this year

During the most recent fishing season (2018-19), European law enforcement was able to seize 5 789 kg of smuggled glass eels with an estimated value of € 2 000 per kilo. In total 154 suspected smugglers were arrested and all seized eels were reintroduced into their natural habitat, which is crucial for the survival of the species.

Four arrested for migrant smuggling and document forgery

On 29 October, the Hellenic Police (Ελληνική Αστυνομία) made four arrests in an operation targeting an organised crime group involved in facilitation of irregular migration. The network provided the migrants with fraudulent travel documents to facilitate their journey across borders. 

Europol Publishes Law Enforcement and Industry Report on Spear Phishing

Today, 4 November 2019, Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) published a strategic report on spear phishing, reflecting the views of both law enforcement and private industry on one of the most prevalent cyber threats currently affecting organisations across the EU.