By Trend News Line 2024-04-05 09:56:12.
European Union Criminal Networks Infiltrating Legal Businesses
A recent report published by the EU crime agency, Europol, has shed light on the alarming trend of criminal networks penetrating legal businesses across the 27-nation bloc. According to the report, there are 821 particularly threatening criminal networks with over 25,000 members operating within the EU.
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Corruption at the Core of Criminal Activities
One of the most concerning aspects highlighted in the report is the heavy reliance of these criminal networks on corruption to develop their activities. Europol revealed that 86% of these networks are able to infiltrate the legal economy to hide their activities and launder their criminal profits.
Case Study: Italian Businessman Involved in Drug Trafficking
The report cited a specific case involving a gang leader who is an Italian businessman of Argentinian origin residing in Marbella, Spain. This individual is said to specialize in drug trafficking and money laundering, managing several companies including one that imports bananas from Ecuador to the EU. Additionally, he owns sports centers in Marbella, commercial centers in Granada, and multiple bars and restaurants.
International Collaboration in Criminal Activities
The report also highlighted the international nature of these criminal networks, with 112 nationalities represented among their members. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the vast majority of these networks maintain a strong geographical focus in their core activities.
Focus on Drug Trafficking and Corruption
Drug trafficking and corruption are identified as the main concerns for EU officials in combating these criminal networks. With record amounts of cocaine being seized in Europe and drug-related violent crime on the rise in countries like Belgium and France, drug trafficking stands out as a key activity for these networks.
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Rise of Gang Violence in Belgium
In Belgium, particularly in the port city of Antwerp, gang violence has been rampant for years. With the city being a main gateway for Latin American cocaine cartels into Europe, drug-related issues have been escalating. Federal authorities have expressed concerns about the rapid penetration of trafficking into society.
European Commissioner’s Warning
European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, has emphasized that organized crime poses one of the biggest threats to society today. Corruption and extreme violence are key elements that these criminal networks bring into communities.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Organized Crime
Europol has stated that the data gathered from this report will be shared with law enforcement agencies in EU member countries. This collaboration is aimed at better targeting criminals and disrupting their illicit activities..
1. Criminal gangs infiltrating legal world in Europe
2. Europol warns of criminal gang infiltration in Europe’s legal sector.
