5th EMPACT Hackathon leads to the detection of 51 potential victims

An international operation involving 40 experts and investigators from 20 countries has identified 51 potential victims of human trafficking, as well as five suspects. Held in Amsterdam from 23 to 25 September 2026, the fifth EMPACT Hackathon against the digital aspects of human trafficking brought together police officers, labour authorities and specialists in online investigations, supported by Europol and Eurojust.

27 arrests and 248 potential victims identified in action week against labour exploitation

Europol, the European Labour Authority (ELA), and 34 participating countries today announced the results of an action week targeting human trafficking for labour exploitation. The operation, part of an EMPACT action led by Sweden, brought together police, border guards, labour and social security inspectorates, and tax authorities to crack down on exploitative practices in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, construction, cosmetic services, massage parlours, and hospitality.

Keeping pace with e-evidence: New report examines Europe’s digital forensic capabilities

Coordinated by the European Commission in cooperation with Europol, the analysis draws on stakeholder consultations, dedicated meetings, surveys and contributions from experts at Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre.The findings point to common challenges: investigative tools, resources and expertise are struggling to keep pace with the forms and volume of digital evidence created by modern technologiesDigitalisation shaping evidence landscapeDigital information is spread...

Ordering violence from abroad: five suspects arrested in Spain, Morocco, and France

Five suspects linked to the organisation and recruitment of serious violence have been arrested in Spain, Morocco, and France, in the latest results of the Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM, coordinated by Europol. The arrests in August and September target the upper levels of violence-as-a-service: those suspected of ordering attacks, finding perpetrators and coordinating crimes from abroad. Among those apprehended are fugitives featured on the EU Most Wanted website.

Cannabis smuggling from North America and Thailand into Europe: Europol highlights growing threat

Cannabis smuggling from North America and Thailand in Europe has seen a sharp rise, driven by oversupply in legal markets and the adaptability of organised crime groups. A dedicated Europol Operational Taskforce (OTF) has been established to dismantle the criminal networks behind this evolving threat.

European and Ecuadorian cooperation leads to 20 arrests in major hit against drug trafficking

The operation, codenamed Operation CANTABRIA, underscores the success of strong cooperation between European and Ecuadorian law enforcement agencies, proving that joint efforts are key to tackling transnational criminal networks.Magnus BrunnerEU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration“International cooperation is our greatest strength against drug trafficking. Criminal networks know no borders, and neither can our response. This operation shows what we can...

Europol urges early action to protect cryptocurrencies and sensitive data from quantum threats

The timing of these capabilities remains uncertain. However, this should not be the main concern. Adapting systems and coordinating security upgrades will take time. Therefore, regardless of the nature of the threats that may emerge, crypto-agility should be pursued proactively to ensure that systems can withstand and overcome future threats while remaining secure.Both reports highlight the need to identify and...

Teenager suspected of leading KillSec ransomware group as law enforcement seizes servers and leak site

On 30 September 2026, law enforcement took control of KillSec’s leak site, securing at least 110 terabytes of data against further unauthorised access. The cybercrime group used the site to threaten organisations with the publication of stolen files unless they paid a ransom.

Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands win Europol 2026 Excellence Awards in Innovation

At the European Police Chiefs Convention on 29 September 2026, Europol announced the winners of its 2026 Excellence Awards in Innovation. Law enforcement teams from Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands took home awards for projects that put innovation to work.

Keeping pace with e-evidence: New report examines Europe’s digital forensic capabilities

Coordinated by the European Commission in cooperation with Europol, the analysis draws on stakeholder consultations, dedicated meetings, surveys and contributions from experts at Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre.The findings point to common challenges: investigative tools, resources and expertise are struggling to keep pace with the forms and volume of digital evidence created by modern technologiesDigitalisation shaping evidence landscapeDigital information is spread...

EU law enforcement chiefs gather to discuss new challenges in EU security

The Convention was opened by Jürgen Ebner, Europol’s Acting Executive Director, and Justin Kelly, Commissioner of the Irish An Garda Síochána.Jürgen EbnerEuropol Acting Executive DirectorOrganised crime itself has become digital by default. Technology is not just an enabler of criminal activity - it is increasingly driving it. We need strong national capabilities reinforced by shared European capabilities. If crime is...

Almost 50 arrested as police target Western Balkan network linked to killings

Nearly 50 suspects have been arrested in an international operation targeting a drug trafficking network with Western Balkan members, linked to killings, kidnappings and grenade attacks across Europe.

European and Ecuadorian cooperation leads to 20 arrests in major hit against drug trafficking

The operation, codenamed Operation CANTABRIA, underscores the success of strong cooperation between European and Ecuadorian law enforcement agencies, proving that joint efforts are key to tackling transnational criminal networks.Magnus BrunnerEU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration“International cooperation is our greatest strength against drug trafficking. Criminal networks know no borders, and neither can our response. This operation shows what we can...

Almost 50 arrested as police target Western Balkan network linked to killings

Nearly 50 suspects have been arrested in an international operation targeting a drug trafficking network with Western Balkan members, linked to killings, kidnappings and grenade attacks across Europe.

Europol urges early action to protect cryptocurrencies and sensitive data from quantum threats

The timing of these capabilities remains uncertain. However, this should not be the main concern. Adapting systems and coordinating security upgrades will take time. Therefore, regardless of the nature of the threats that may emerge, crypto-agility should be pursued proactively to ensure that systems can withstand and overcome future threats while remaining secure.Both reports highlight the need to identify and...

Ordering violence from abroad: five suspects arrested in Spain, Morocco, and France

Five suspects linked to the organisation and recruitment of serious violence have been arrested in Spain, Morocco, and France, in the latest results of the Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM, coordinated by Europol. The arrests in August and September target the upper levels of violence-as-a-service: those suspected of ordering attacks, finding perpetrators and coordinating crimes from abroad. Among those apprehended are fugitives featured on the EU Most Wanted website.

Cannabis smuggling from North America and Thailand into Europe: Europol highlights growing threat

Cannabis smuggling from North America and Thailand in Europe has seen a sharp rise, driven by oversupply in legal markets and the adaptability of organised crime groups. A dedicated Europol Operational Taskforce (OTF) has been established to dismantle the criminal networks behind this evolving threat.

Teenager suspected of leading KillSec ransomware group as law enforcement seizes servers and leak site

On 30 September 2026, law enforcement took control of KillSec’s leak site, securing at least 110 terabytes of data against further unauthorised access. The cybercrime group used the site to threaten organisations with the publication of stolen files unless they paid a ransom.

EU law enforcement chiefs gather to discuss new challenges in EU security

The Convention was opened by Jürgen Ebner, Europol’s Acting Executive Director, and Justin Kelly, Commissioner of the Irish An Garda Síochána.Jürgen EbnerEuropol Acting Executive DirectorOrganised crime itself has become digital by default. Technology is not just an enabler of criminal activity - it is increasingly driving it. We need strong national capabilities reinforced by shared European capabilities. If crime is...

Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands win Europol 2026 Excellence Awards in Innovation

At the European Police Chiefs Convention on 29 September 2026, Europol announced the winners of its 2026 Excellence Awards in Innovation. Law enforcement teams from Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands took home awards for projects that put innovation to work.

Two-week Europol task force identifies 18 sexually abused children worldwide

The Victim Identification Task Force brings together experts from across the globe to combat child sexual exploitation. During the VIDTF, specialists analyse data, images, videos, and intelligence to identify clues that may help identify victims and offenders, or at least help determine the country where the material likely originated.Europol has been hosting VIDTFs since 2014. During that time, the task...

SIRIUS SPoC network meets as EU enters new era for electronic evidence

The 7th SIRIUS Single Point of Contact (SPoC) Network Meeting, organised by Europol’s EU Internet Referral Unit (EU IRU) together with the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), took place in Berlin on 15-16 September 2026.

Protecting citizens, preserving rights

How can law enforcement make effective use of data and technology while ensuring that fundamental rights and the rule of law remain protected? This question was at the heart of the 17th Europol Data Protection Experts Network (EDEN) conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22 and 23 September 2026 under the theme ‘Do Not Cross: Protecting Citizens, Preserving Rights’.

International investigation identifies over 70 potential victims exploited in Indian restaurants

The coordinated action conducted on 18 September 2026 led to two arrests. Allegedly, the traffickers forced their victims to work up to 16 hours per day, underpaid them and impeded them from leaving the country. It is estimated that the criminal network generated at least EUR 4 million in illicit profits by underpaying and exploiting the workers.Investigators suspect that the...

Crackdown on Italian organised criminal network involved in large-scale euro counterfeiting

Europol has supported an international operation targeting a criminal network linked to the Italian mafia-type organisation Camorra. The operation, coordinated by the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office and the Stuttgart Public Prosecutor’s Office, resulted in the execution of six arrest warrants and simultaneous searches of 16 residential and commercial properties across Germany, Italy, and Spain. In Germany, two illegally held pistols with ammunition were seized, as well as counterfeit euro banknotes of Italian origin linked to the so-called “Napoli Group”. Furthermore, the officers in the field seized 16 phone mobiles and storage devices.

Seven arrests in Brazil during crackdown on South America-Europe cocaine pipeline

Europol has supported law enforcement agencies from Italy and Brazil in dismantling a major drug trafficking and money laundering network linked to the Italian ‘Ndrangheta. The operation, code-named operation ‘EREDITÀ’, led to seven arrests and is the culmination of a multi-year investigation into large-scale cocaine trafficking and money laundering between South America and Europe. This success builds on previous Italian and Brazilian operations ‘SAMBA’ and ‘MAFIUSI’, which led to 28 arrests across both countries.

Andorran Police joins Europol’s secure communication network

Through this connection, the Andorran Police will be able to securely share law enforcement information with Europol and a wide network of European and international partners.This Memorandum of Understanding builds upon a Working Arrangement signed between Andorra and Europol in 2021. Joining a community of over 300 liaison officersThe agreement will bring Andorra closer to one of Europol’s greatest strengths:...

Six arrests for smuggling migrants via Schengen airports

Europol supported a migrant smuggling investigation involving law enforcement authorities from 17 countries. The criminal network was also engaged in document fraud and money laundering. The action day on 22 September 2026 in Austria, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom (UK) led to six arrests, 10 house searches, and multiple seizures, including ID documents, electronic equipment, evidence, and a large amount of cash.

Protecting citizens, preserving rights

How can law enforcement make effective use of data and technology while ensuring that fundamental rights and the rule of law remain protected? This question was at the heart of the 17th Europol Data Protection Experts Network (EDEN) conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22 and 23 September 2026 under the theme ‘Do Not Cross: Protecting Citizens, Preserving Rights’.

Six arrests for smuggling migrants via Schengen airports

Europol supported a migrant smuggling investigation involving law enforcement authorities from 17 countries. The criminal network was also engaged in document fraud and money laundering. The action day on 22 September 2026 in Austria, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom (UK) led to six arrests, 10 house searches, and multiple seizures, including ID documents, electronic equipment, evidence, and a large amount of cash.

Two-week Europol task force identifies 18 sexually abused children worldwide

The Victim Identification Task Force brings together experts from across the globe to combat child sexual exploitation. During the VIDTF, specialists analyse data, images, videos, and intelligence to identify clues that may help identify victims and offenders, or at least help determine the country where the material likely originated.Europol has been hosting VIDTFs since 2014. During that time, the task...

Andorran Police joins Europol’s secure communication network

Through this connection, the Andorran Police will be able to securely share law enforcement information with Europol and a wide network of European and international partners.This Memorandum of Understanding builds upon a Working Arrangement signed between Andorra and Europol in 2021. Joining a community of over 300 liaison officersThe agreement will bring Andorra closer to one of Europol’s greatest strengths:...

International investigation identifies over 70 potential victims exploited in Indian restaurants

The coordinated action conducted on 18 September 2026 led to two arrests. Allegedly, the traffickers forced their victims to work up to 16 hours per day, underpaid them and impeded them from leaving the country. It is estimated that the criminal network generated at least EUR 4 million in illicit profits by underpaying and exploiting the workers.Investigators suspect that the...

SIRIUS SPoC network meets as EU enters new era for electronic evidence

The 7th SIRIUS Single Point of Contact (SPoC) Network Meeting, organised by Europol’s EU Internet Referral Unit (EU IRU) together with the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), took place in Berlin on 15-16 September 2026.

Seven arrests in Brazil during crackdown on South America-Europe cocaine pipeline

Europol has supported law enforcement agencies from Italy and Brazil in dismantling a major drug trafficking and money laundering network linked to the Italian ‘Ndrangheta. The operation, code-named operation ‘EREDITÀ’, led to seven arrests and is the culmination of a multi-year investigation into large-scale cocaine trafficking and money laundering between South America and Europe. This success builds on previous Italian and Brazilian operations ‘SAMBA’ and ‘MAFIUSI’, which led to 28 arrests across both countries.

Crackdown on Italian organised criminal network involved in large-scale euro counterfeiting

Europol has supported an international operation targeting a criminal network linked to the Italian mafia-type organisation Camorra. The operation, coordinated by the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office and the Stuttgart Public Prosecutor’s Office, resulted in the execution of six arrest warrants and simultaneous searches of 16 residential and commercial properties across Germany, Italy, and Spain. In Germany, two illegally held pistols with ammunition were seized, as well as counterfeit euro banknotes of Italian origin linked to the so-called “Napoli Group”. Furthermore, the officers in the field seized 16 phone mobiles and storage devices.

Growing number of data requests and complex legal landscape among key challenges for accessing electronic evidence

Over half of all criminal investigations today include a request for cross-border access to electronic evidence such as texts, e-mails or messages in apps. However, gaining access to electronic evidence presents significant legal and technical challenges. For instance, evidence may be stored in an unknown location, servers can be spread across different countries, and there are no harmonised deadlines for...

Drug trafficking investigation leads to some of the world’s biggest underground bankers

The investigation, led by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and supported by Europol, has resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects for offences including participation in a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and money laundering.An action day carried out in Spain on 22 July 2026 resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects. Spanish authorities also issued 19 international arrest warrants...

Europol and European Labour Authority strengthen cooperation against labour exploitation

The Working Arrangement formalises cooperation that has already demonstrated its value through joint involvement in EMPACT activities. It provides a framework for the exchange of strategic information to strengthen collaboration in areas of shared interest, and the development of further areas of cooperation.Jürgen EbnerEuropol Acting Executive DirectorLabour exploitation is not simply a labour law issue - it can be a...

Thousands of horses caught up in Europe-wide trafficking scheme

Europol has supported a major operation against a criminal network suspected of trafficking horses across Europe using falsified documents and manipulated microchips to conceal the animals’ true identities.

Global public-private operation disrupts Sality botnet active for two decades

An international operation supported by Europol has disrupted the Sality peer-to-peer (P2P) botnet, a long-running criminal infrastructure used to distribute malicious payloads to thousands of infected computers worldwide.The coordinated action, carried out on 31 August 2026 and led by the US authorities, targeted a botnet believed to have been operating for more than two decades. At its peak, the botnet...

Europol celebrates the International Day of Police Cooperation

On 7 September, Europol is marking the International Day of Police Cooperation together with its partners to recognise the central role our network plays in tackling the most serious threats against the EU’s internal security.Connecting investigators, expertise, and information across national boundaries is at the heart of Europol. When those connections are strong, law enforcement is better equipped to respond...

Museum heists turn violent: new Europol report on cultural property theft tactics

The spotlight features some key findings:Increasing violence: Museum thefts are becoming more aggressive, with offenders using tools like sledgehammers, explosives, and firearms to breach premises and intimidate staff.Targeted high-value items: Thieves are increasingly focusing on precious metals, gemstones, and culturally significant artefacts, driven by high market demand and ease of illicit resale.Emerging criminal profiles: The report suggests the involvement of...

78 arrests in bust of major Western Mediterranean smuggling network in Spain

The operation, conducted under a newly established Europol Taskforce within Europol’s European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling, brought together officers from the French National Police (Police aux Frontières/OLTIM), and the Spanish National Police (Comisaría General de Extranjería y Fronteras/UCRIF) and Guardia Civil. The case was also supported by the Portuguese Judicial Police (Policía Judiciaria) and the Polish Border Guard (BG).Strongly involved...

Thousands of horses caught up in Europe-wide trafficking scheme

Europol has supported a major operation against a criminal network suspected of trafficking horses across Europe using falsified documents and manipulated microchips to conceal the animals’ true identities.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to some of the world’s biggest underground bankers

The investigation, led by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and supported by Europol, has resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects for offences including participation in a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and money laundering.An action day carried out in Spain on 22 July 2026 resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects. Spanish authorities also issued 19 international arrest warrants...

Europol celebrates the International Day of Police Cooperation

On 7 September, Europol is marking the International Day of Police Cooperation together with its partners to recognise the central role our network plays in tackling the most serious threats against the EU’s internal security.Connecting investigators, expertise, and information across national boundaries is at the heart of Europol. When those connections are strong, law enforcement is better equipped to respond...

Global public-private operation disrupts Sality botnet active for two decades

An international operation supported by Europol has disrupted the Sality peer-to-peer (P2P) botnet, a long-running criminal infrastructure used to distribute malicious payloads to thousands of infected computers worldwide.The coordinated action, carried out on 31 August 2026 and led by the US authorities, targeted a botnet believed to have been operating for more than two decades. At its peak, the botnet...

Europol and European Labour Authority strengthen cooperation against labour exploitation

The Working Arrangement formalises cooperation that has already demonstrated its value through joint involvement in EMPACT activities. It provides a framework for the exchange of strategic information to strengthen collaboration in areas of shared interest, and the development of further areas of cooperation.Jürgen EbnerEuropol Acting Executive DirectorLabour exploitation is not simply a labour law issue - it can be a...

Growing number of data requests and complex legal landscape among key challenges for accessing electronic evidence

Over half of all criminal investigations today include a request for cross-border access to electronic evidence such as texts, e-mails or messages in apps. However, gaining access to electronic evidence presents significant legal and technical challenges. For instance, evidence may be stored in an unknown location, servers can be spread across different countries, and there are no harmonised deadlines for...