Organised crime is becoming more connected, violent and global
Criminal networks exploit global trade routes, weak governance, and digital technologies to move illicit goods and services across borders. These include drugs, small arms and light weapons, counterfeit products, illegal mining, and wildlife crime. Many groups operate across several illegal markets at once, spreading risk and boosting profits.
Corruption, money laundering, and the abuse of transport and financial systems help these criminal networks grow. In Europe, criminal networks are developing in both scale and complexity, with rising levels of violence.
To tackle this evolving threat, the EU works with partners worldwide. Together, we disrupt criminal flows, close down enabling systems, and support police and justice systems with the tools they need to fight organised crime in all its forms.
