Europol highlights organised crime trends in new report

Europol’s EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2025 highlights a rapidly evolving criminal landscape driven by digital advancements and geopolitical instability. Europol identifies three key trends: 

Crime is increasingly destabilising – Organised crime now threatens not only public safety but also the stability of EU institutions and society. 

Crime is nurtured online – Digital infrastructure enables criminal operations to expand rapidly, with nearly all organised crime leaving a digital footprint, from cyber fraud to drug trafficking. Stolen data is a key asset. 

Crime is accelerated by AI and emerging technologies – AI enhances efficiency, automation, and scalability for criminals, making detection more difficult. It is used for cyberattacks, fraud, and misinformation. 

These developments underscore the need for stronger law enforcement cooperation and technological countermeasures. 

For more information, read Europol’s The changing DNA of serious and organised crime.