In the discreet world of criminal intelligence, a new approach is being taken to study organized crime. Instead of focusing on the illegal markets that criminal organizations operate in, Europol, the European law enforcement agency, has compiled a report on the 821 most threatening criminal organizations in Europe, examining their structures. These networks are described as powerful and functioning like true crime multinationals, posing a major threat to the security of the European Union. The report, released on April 5th, highlights the expanding phenomenon of organized crime in Europe.
Contrary to other countries like Italy or the Netherlands, France does not appear to be a hub for large criminal organizations in the Europol report. Instead, it is seen as a target for drug importation networks and surprisingly, roaming burglary networks. While criminal networks composed solely of French members mainly operate within the country, they also have connections to over fifteen other countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain within the European Union, as well as the United Arab Emirates. Europol emphasizes the global reach of these criminal networks.
The study offers a new and innovative approach compared to traditional international reports on illegal activities, by focusing on the criminal groups themselves, their structure, territorial control, longevity, and cooperation strategies. Europol’s communication director, Claire Georges, explains that this change in methodology aims to make the invisible visible in the world of organized crime. The executive director of Europol, Catherine De Bolle, notes in the report’s preface the importance of this shift in focus on criminal groups rather than illegal activities.
The report synthesizes contributions from the twenty-seven EU member states and several third-party countries, including the United States, various Latin American countries, and Australia. A detailed questionnaire was provided to gather information on common indicators such as corruption levels, infiltration in the legal economy, and violence utilization. While the report does not disclose any specific names or faces in its 60-page summary, a highly confidential version with detailed information is shared with specialized services in concerned states. This comprehensive international directory of organized crime lists about 25,000 members.
The Europol report sheds light on the evolving landscape of organized crime in Europe, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of criminal structures and activities. By focusing on the inner workings and global reach of criminal organizations, law enforcement agencies can better tackle the growing threat posed by these powerful networks. The detailed analysis provided in the report offers valuable insights into the functioning of criminal enterprises, their interconnectedness, and the challenges they pose to the security of the European Union and beyond. As criminal networks continue to adapt and expand, it is essential for authorities to remain vigilant and responsive to effectively combat organized crime across borders.
