Europol publishes report on most dangerous criminal networks in the EU

Europol has presented its second report on the most dangerous criminal networks operating within the European Union, identifying 731 active networks. This figure represents a decrease from the 821 networks reported in 2024. The presentation was held in Brussels by EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, Europol Deputy Executive Director Jurgen Ebner, and Cyprus Police Chief Themistos Arnautis. These organizations, often structured like multinational corporations, primarily engage in drug trafficking, fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering. In Cyprus, 59 criminal networks were identified, with ten of these classified as highly dangerous; eight are involved in drug trafficking, while others engage in extortion and illegal gambling. Authorities noted that criminal groups frequently use legal business methods to hide their activities. In response to these threats, the Cyprus Police announced the creation of a new specialized directorate aimed at dismantling criminal leadership structures and seizing their illicit assets. Officials emphasized that these groups are highly flexible and adaptable, making them difficult to track.