Europol, Interpol to intensify fight against transnational crime

Europol and INTERPOL have renewed their devotion to tackling transnational organized crime, agreeing on a new set of Joint Key Operational Priorities that will guide the partnership.

The priorities were formulated by operational experts from both organizations and are designed to support a more proactive and coordinated response to international criminal networks.

The renewed framework strengthens coordination across a spectrum of crime areas, including cybercrime, organized crime, economic and financial crime, and counter-terrorism.

The agreement was signed by Europol’s Deputy Director Operations, Jean-Philippe Lecouffe, and INTERPOL’s Director for Police Capabilities, Harald Arm, and Stephen Fry, Director Investigation Support.

A joint statement issued on Monday affirmed the continued cooperation of the key partners in the global security architecture to combat criminal threats that transcend borders.

Recent joint operations include Operation Global Chain, which resulted in the arrest of 158 human traffickers and the rescue of 1,194 victims in multiple countries.

During Operation Pandora, 80 people were nabbed and over 37,700 goods seized in a major art trafficking bust, while Operation Custos Viridis countered networks involved in waste and pollution crime.

The one-year mission, which took place across five continents, saw Europol working alongside INTERPOL and partners from 71 countries and numerous international organizations.