Europol has released a comprehensive report, the first of its kind, shedding light on the criminal networks that represent the highest threats to the European Union’s security. This Europe-wide analysis, supported by contributions from all EU Member States and 17 of Europol’s partner countries, identifies 821 of the most threatening criminal networks, encompassing over 25,000 members.
The report highlights the sophisticated means by which these networks infiltrate the legal economy, utilizing legitimate businesses such as fruit companies, hotels, and restaurants to conceal their activities and launder profits. A notable case involves a gang leader, an Italian businessman of Argentinian origin residing in Spain, using his businesses, including a banana import company, as fronts for drug trafficking and money laundering operations. This pattern of using legitimate fronts for illicit activities extends across various sectors and regions within the EU.
Europol’s findings reveal a concerning trend of criminal networks heavily relying on corruption to facilitate their operations and evade law enforcement. Additionally, these networks demonstrate a high degree of geographical focus, despite their diverse national compositions, with 112 nationalities represented among their members. Drug trafficking, accompanied by increasing instances of drug-related violence in countries like Belgium and France, stands out as a primary activity for these groups. Moreover, corruption and violence are pervasive tactics, with over 70% of the networks engaging in corruption to obstruct justice and 68% using violence as a part of their modus operandi.
#France 🇫🇷: Two armed criminals carried out a shooting attack on a fast food restaurant in #Guyancourt, Île-de-France.
The gunmen appears to be armed with a 9x19mm submachine gun —which is similar to the West German/Spanish-made DUX-53/59 SMG. pic.twitter.com/nVf1JaXKyY
— War Noir (@war_noir) April 5, 2024
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