Europol warns that criminal groups in the EU are becoming increasingly flexible and digitalized, representing a major threat. The report analyzes over 700 active networks.

A recent analysis by Europol highlights that organized crime remains a major threat to the European Union, despite the efforts of law enforcement authorities. The report examines over 700 criminal groups, which number more than 400,000 members from 118 countries. Approximately 85% of these groups use legal business structures to mask their illegal activities, engaging in crimes such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and human trafficking.

Europol emphasizes that these organizations form an adaptable criminal ecosystem, capable of exploiting new opportunities. The European Commission proposes strengthening Europol's mandate, providing the agency with additional tools to combat digital and cross-border crimes, enhancing cooperation between national authorities and European institutions. This report is an update to the previous analysis from 2024 regarding criminal networks in the EU.