Criminal networks are infiltrating legal businesses throughout the European Union, relying heavily on corruption to expand their operations. This disturbing revelation comes from a report released by the EU crime agency on Friday.
Europol has identified 821 criminal networks that pose a significant threat, consisting of over 25,000 members within the European Union.
The agency reports that 86% of these networks have the ability to infiltrate the legal economy in order to conceal their activities and launder the profits they have gained through criminal means.
Europol gave an example of a gang leader who was identified as an Italian businessman of Argentinian descent living in Marbella, Spain. This individual had expertise in drug trafficking and money laundering and was involved in the management of various businesses. One of the companies he owned was engaged in importing bananas from Ecuador to the European Union. Additionally, he possessed sports centers in Marbella, commercial centers in Granada, and multiple bars and restaurants.
According to the report, an Albanian associate, who operates out of Ecuador, is responsible for importing cocaine from Colombia to Ecuador and then distributing it to the European Union. These illicit activities are camouflaged under the guise of Ecuadorian fruit companies.
In recent months, there have been numerous instances of large drug hauls concealed within banana shipments across Europe. One notable case occurred in February when British authorities made a groundbreaking discovery. They uncovered over 12,500 pounds of cocaine hidden within a shipment of bananas, setting a new record for the largest seizure of hard drugs in the country. Similarly, in August of last year, customs agents in the Netherlands seized a staggering 17,600 pounds of cocaine concealed within crates of bananas at Rotterdam’s port. Another incident took place three months prior when a police dog detected 3 tons of cocaine stashed within a case of bananas at the Italian port of Gioia Tauro.
According to Europol, the ‘Ndrangheta organized crime syndicate from Italy is highlighted as one of the most influential and affluent drug-trafficking groups globally. In addition to drug and arms trafficking, they also engage in tax evasion. The profits earned from these illegal activities are then reinvested in various commercial ventures such as real estate, supermarkets, and hotels throughout Europe.
According to the report, these networks have a borderless structure, with members from 112 different nationalities.
According to Europol, the majority of these organizations maintain a strong focus on specific geographical areas and do not expand their core activities beyond those regions.
EU officials are primarily concerned with drug trafficking and corruption in terms of their activities.
“Corruption and extreme violence pose significant threats to our society, making organized crime one of the most pressing challenges we encounter today,” emphasized Ylva Johansson, the European commissioner for Home Affairs.
The data will be shared with law enforcement agencies in EU member countries, according to Europol. This move is expected to enhance the effectiveness of targeting criminals.
