Europol warns of 731 active criminal networks threatening Europe

A new Europol report identifies 731 criminal networks currently posing a threat to Europe, despite authorities dismantling 76% of the 821 networks flagged in 2024.

Jürgen Ebner, Europol’s acting executive director, cautioned that while law enforcement disrupts these groups, they continue to adapt and exploit new opportunities. “Criminal markets persist. New actors emerge. Criminal profit continues to fuel activities that undermine our security, prosperity, and trust in institutions,” he said.

The report highlights 533 newly identified networks, bringing the total to 731. Of these, 198 are described as highly resilient, displaying traits of traditional, hierarchical, and poly-criminal structures. The networks collectively involve over 400,000 members from 118 nationalities, underscoring their transnational reach.

Europol notes that digitalisation, technological innovation, global trade, and geopolitical instability have enabled criminal operations at an unprecedented scale. The networks increasingly rely on encrypted communication platforms and AI tools, becoming more adaptable and integrated into society while exploiting systemic weaknesses.