New European Judicial Network Targets Organised Crime, Focusing on Drug Trafficking and International Criminal Networks

New European Judicial Network Targets Organised Crime, Focusing on Drug Trafficking and International Criminal Networks

(IN BRIEF) On 25 September 2024, Eurojust launched the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN), aimed at fighting organised crime across Europe. This new network unites prosecutors from all 27 EU Member States to strategically combat high-risk criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, cybercrime, and more. The EJOCN’s creation highlights the need for international judicial coordination to address the complexities of transnational crime. Its initial focus will be on drug-related organised crime in European ports, with ports being key hubs for the majority of drug seizures. Eurojust, which has long supported national authorities in organised crime investigations, will now further strengthen cooperation and share expertise through this new initiative.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 26-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — On 25 September 2024, a significant development in the fight against organised crime took place with the establishment of the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN). Launched at Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague, this network is designed to tackle the complexities of organised crime across Europe by fostering closer cooperation between prosecutors from all 27 EU Member States. Unlike traditional investigation-based cooperation, the EJOCN will focus on strategic, coordinated efforts to dismantle dangerous criminal groups involved in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and cybercrime.

The scale of organised crime in Europe is staggering, with 76% of criminal groups operating across multiple countries and generating an estimated EUR 139 billion annually from illegal activities. Combatting such widespread networks requires a flexible and coordinated approach. The EJOCN aims to provide specialised prosecutors with the tools to address legal challenges and seize opportunities for cooperation, ensuring a united front against high-risk criminal networks.

With over 20 years of experience, Eurojust has established itself as a crucial player in supporting national prosecutors through operational, technical, and financial means. The new EJOCN will build on this foundation, benefiting from Eurojust’s expertise in coordinating joint investigation teams and facilitating judicial cooperation across borders.

Speaking at the network’s launch, Eurojust President Ladislav Hamran highlighted the importance of the initiative: “With the creation of the European Judicial Organised Crime Network, we strengthen our capacity to tackle organised crime across Europe. Supported by Eurojust, this network will foster greater collaboration among prosecutors and judges, reinforcing our shared commitment to justice and security. We are sending a strong message: organised crime knows no borders, and neither does our determination to fight it.”

The EJOCN’s primary focus will be on addressing drug-related organised crime, particularly in European ports and logistic hubs, which have become key gateways for criminal activity. Ports are the entry point for the majority of drugs seized by customs, and drug trafficking remains one of the most profitable ventures for international criminal networks. Europol reports that 50% of the most dangerous criminal groups in the EU are involved in drug trafficking, with related crimes often escalating into violence and money laundering.

Eurojust has already played a pivotal role in tackling drug trafficking across the EU, with the number of related cases doubling since 2020. In 2023 alone, Eurojust contributed to the seizure of drugs valued at over EUR 25 billion. The EJOCN is set to further strengthen these efforts, prioritising the fight against drug-related organised crime while remaining adaptable to the evolving criminal landscape.

Key figures underline the scale of the challenge: organised crime profits from illicit activities amount to approximately EUR 139 billion annually, with 50% of the most dangerous networks involved in drug trafficking, and 70% of criminal groups using corruption to facilitate their operations.

Facts and Figures

• Organised crime profit from illicit activities is estimated at around EUR 139 billion annually.
• 50 % of the most threatening criminal networks active in the EU are involved in drug trafficking.
• More than 70 % of criminal networks operating in the EU use corruptive methods to facilitate criminal activity or obstruct law enforcement or judicial proceedings.
• Around 60 % of the criminal networks active in the EU use violence as part of their criminal businesses.

Media Contact:

Eurojust Press Team
Phone: + 31 70 412 55 00
media@eurojust.europa.eu

SOURCE: EUROJUST