Europol releases report on dangerous criminal networks as Cyprus announces new task force

Europol presented its second report on the 731 most dangerous criminal networks (MTCNs) operating within the European Union during an event in Brussels. This figure marks a decline from the 821 networks identified in the 2024 report. The report highlights that 85% of these groups utilize legitimate business structures to facilitate their activities, prompting officials to describe them as 'crime corporations.' Ten of these networks are currently operating in Cyprus, with eight primarily involved in drug trafficking and others linked to extortion, gambling, and money laundering. On behalf of the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council, Chief of Police Themistos Arnaoutis announced that Cyprus is establishing a dedicated Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime. The new unit aims to enhance intelligence collection and dismantle criminal structures rather than focusing solely on individual offenders. EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner and Deputy Executive Director of Europol Jurgen Ebner noted that while enforcement is improving, these groups remain highly adaptable and economically embedded.