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.
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.
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...
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 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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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’.
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...
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.
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.
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:...
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.
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’.
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.
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...
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:...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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