Criminal Networks: Europol Report Over 100 Active in Belgium

Europol has compiled data on 821 criminal networks deemed to pose a significant threat to the European Union, marking the first instance of such comprehensive collation involving all member states along with 17 countries outside the EU.

Among these criminal networks, over 100 are reported to be active within Belgium.

The European Union’s law enforcement agency, Europol, has released a report today delineating what it labels as ‘the most criminal networks’.

This analysis delves into the organisational structures of these groups, their criminal endeavors, as well as their modus operandi and geographical scope.

Europol aims for this report to serve as a valuable resource aiding law enforcement agencies and policymakers in the effective allocation of resources and formulation of policies.

Contributions to this study were provided by all 27 EU member states, in addition to 17 partner countries collaborating with Europol.

This report emerges as a notable milestone during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, underscoring Belgium’s failure to adequately combat organised crime.

Annelies Verlinden, the Belgian Minister of Home Affairs,said, “We are introducing a new tool in the battle against serious and organised crime—a testament to the power of unity and innovation within the European Union”, The networks active within Belgium’s borders primarily involve themselves in drug trafficking.

Other criminal activities such as online fraud, migrant smuggling, money laundering, and sham marriages are also prevalent.

The composition of these networks within Belgium reflects a diversity of nationalities among their members.

While key figures often hail from Belgium and the Netherlands, they collaborate closely with individuals from Albania, other Western Balkan countries, Turkey, Morocco, and beyond.

Main Image: By OSeveno – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61482189