Europol

📍 Since the tragic terrorist attack in Christchurch in March 2019, which claimed 50 lives, Europol and law enforcement authorities in New Zealand have shared a strong partnership in tackling transnational crime and terrorism. 🤝 This cooperation led to the signing of the Working and Administrative Arrangement between Europol and the New Zealand Police, finalised in 2023. Since then, a liaison office was opened in our HQ in The Hague. 👮♂️ Our continued cooperation spans critical areas such as cybercrime, counter-terrorism, child exploitation, drug trafficking, and combatting motorcycle gangs and other organised crime groups (OCGs). 👮♀️ Our Executive Director visited New Zealand this week to meet the New Zealand law enforcement community and exchange expertise on serious and organised international crime.

🚨 European law enforcement stops illegal IPTV service providers. Criminal network of 102 suspects illegally distributed copyrighted works to over 22 million users worldwide. Law enforcement authorities across Europe, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have taken down one of the largest illegal streaming networks operating within and outside the EU. The investigation targeted 102 suspects, 11 of whom were arrested, for distributing material from streaming services online illegally, including movies and series. They also pirated more than 2 500 television channels such as sports broadcasters, making them available to over 22 million users worldwide without the consent of the copyright holders. In addition to intellectual property crime (copyright infringement), there are indications of further crimes, such as money laundering and cybercrime, which are currently under investigation. More details in our press release⤵️ https://lnkd.in/ekg9d_SF

🚨 EUR 1 million seized and 11 arrested in new sting against wholesale cocaine traffickers. Authorities from HR, BiH and RS are investigating 18 individuals linked to that criminal cell. Read more in our press release ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eDwbc5xM

🚨 Albanian authorities, with Europol’s support, have dismantled a violent criminal group tied to corruption! 💬 21 suspects, including a judge, lawyer, police officer & journalists, shielded a cocaine-smuggling network with proceeds laundered in Albania. SKY ECC analysis exposed corruption and links to major drug seizures: 🔹 450kg cocaine (Netherlands) 🔹 900kg cocaine (Ecuador) Europol supported the investigation with intelligence and live operational analysis. Read more in our press release ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eKJHhCFV

🚨 Hit against firearms trafficking: Europol teams up with police from Austria, Czechia, Germany, Poland and Sweden to arrest elusive criminal for buying weapon parts and illicitly selling them to violent gangs throughout Europe. Read more in our press release here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eVK2-hfJ Watch part of the action day here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/ehD2AteF

🌏 As our Executive Director Catherine De Bolle shared earlier, when you think of EU law enforcement cooperation, Australia might not be one of the first partners that spring to mind. However, Australia is a key partner for Europol, playing a significant role in dismantling serious and organised crime networks, as a quick look into recently supported operations shows: https://lnkd.in/dqdYnYpC That’s why our Executive Director went to Australia this week to meet with law enforcement authorities at national and regional levels to get a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face. Our Executive Director also delivered a keynote speech at the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency Conference on Europol's leading role in innovation, AI and the fight against cybercrime. Going forward, Europol's cooperation with Australia is set to intensify, as Europe is increasingly a transit route for cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA destined for Australian markets.

🚨 25 arrests in EU-wide operation, led by Germany, against Syrian migrant smuggling network. The violent criminal organisation made an estimated EUR 3.4 million in criminal profits while causing at least two deaths. The actions, supported by Europol and Eurojust, took place in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. Read more in our press release⤵️ https://lnkd.in/ewUDKkVc

⚠️A new fugitive has been added to Europol's #EUMostWanted list by authorities in Luxembourg. The suspect is wanted in connection with an investment scam, allegedly defrauding investors of approximately €5.4 million by presenting himself falsely as a successful businessman and lawyer. Read more in our press release⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eMM3T-rb Check out our website and submit a tip⤵️ https://eumostwanted.eu

Europol supported European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in a €520M VAT fraud bust. 43 suspects linked to mafia networks were detained, with millions in assets seized. Read more in our press release ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eSEucqrP

Europol has today issued an intelligence notification on the recruitment of minors by criminal networks across Europe. This report, based on information from law enforcement, reveals that organised crime groups are increasingly targeting young people on social media and encrypted platforms, framing illegal tasks as “games” or “challenges.” Europol is actively supporting Member States with operational and analytical assistance to disrupt these recruitment networks and protect vulnerable youth. Read the press release on our latest intelligence notification ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/etsgsGSC