Europol has published a report revealing the structure of the 731 most dangerous criminal networks operating within the European Union. The agency reports that drug trafficking remains the leading criminal activity, as criminal networks have adapted to the current climate.
In its latest report, “Decoding the EU’s most threatening criminal networks: Issue 2 – The blueprint of criminal opportunities,” published on 26 June 2026, Europol notes that its units have identified 731 active criminal networks operating across the EU, comprising more than 400,000 members of 118 different nationalities.
Compared with the 821 networks identified in 2024, 76 per cent no longer appeared on the current list. The report notes that around 80 per cent of the groups identified two years ago have been neutralised. In the meantime, a staggering 533 criminal groups have emerged to replace those that were dismantled.
Therefore, the core of 198 original networks has remained, while 533 entirely new or recently discovered groups have taken their place, bringing the total back up to 731.
The trafficking of cocaine and synthetic drugs still occupies the dominant position in terms of criminal activity, with one in five key networks being operated from South America. The range of threats is constantly expanding: money laundering, cybercrime, human trafficking and fraud are being joined by a new trend – the mass recruitment of children into criminal organisations, according to the report.
Six per cent of the identified networks are actively recruiting children aged between 8 and 17 to carry out high-risk tasks, ranging from drug delivery to extreme violence.
Another worrying factor that exacerbates the situation regarding the detection of criminal networks is that 85 per cent of the most threatening networks now use legitimate business structures to conceal their activities. Consequently, the adaptability of criminals is blurring the line separating the legitimate economy from organised crime beyond recognition.
Organised crime has evolved into a global business that rapidly exploits any commercially viable opportunities. The process of laundering illicitly obtained capital is facilitated by the deliberate recruitment of professional staff – accountants, lawyers and property market professionals – who help to channel criminal assets into the legitimate economy, explained Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration.
One example of such a highly organised and dangerous network is the French group DZ Mafia, which has adapted to the circumstances.
According to analytical reports, this group is not involved in the production of drugs or their initial delivery to Europe. These stages are controlled by Latin American cartels, as well as the Italian and Dutch mafia. The network acts as a major wholesaler, forming alliances with key importers to ensure a steady supply of the most profitable consignments.
In this way, Europol stresses that the targeted arrests of leaders are not capable of solving the problem systematically. Eliminating specific individuals does not reduce market demand or profit margins, so the vacated niches are instantly filled by other players. In response to this systemic threat, the European Commission has proposed doubling the agency’s budget to 3 billion euros as part of its financial planning for 2028-2034.
