Menace to society: Criminal gangs in Europe are infiltrating the legal world, Europol says

Criminal Networks Penetrating Legal Businesses in the European Union

A report published by the EU crime agency on Friday reveals that criminal networks in the European Union are infiltrating legal businesses across the 27-nation bloc and heavily rely on corruption to carry out their activities. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need to address these issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Europol’s Findings on Criminal Networks

1. Europol has identified 821 particularly threatening criminal networks with more than 25,000 members in the European Union.
2. 86% of these networks have the ability to infiltrate the legal economy in order to conceal their activities and launder their criminal profits.
3. One example cited by Europol involves an Italian businessman of Argentinian origin residing in Marbella, Spain. This individual specializes in drug trafficking and money laundering, and manages several companies, including one that imports bananas from Ecuador to the EU. He also owns sports centers in Marbella, commercial centers in Granada, and multiple bars and restaurants.
4. Another example involves families from Italy’s ‘Ndrangheta organized crime syndicate, known as one of the world’s most powerful drug-trafficking groups. Their profits from drug and arms trafficking, as well as tax fraud, are invested in real estate, supermarkets, hotels, and other commercial activities throughout Europe.
5. These criminal networks consist of members from 112 different nationalities.

Key Activities and Concerns

• Drug trafficking and corruption are the main concerns for EU officials.
• Half of the most threatening criminal networks are involved in drug trafficking, either as a standalone activity or as part of a portfolio.
• More than 70% of networks engage in corruption to facilitate criminal activity or obstruct law enforcement and judicial proceedings.
• 68% of networks use violence and intimidation as an inherent feature of their modus operandi.

Impact on European Countries

As record amounts of cocaine are being seized in Europe and drug-related violent crime is becoming increasingly visible in many EU countries such as Belgium and France, drug trafficking stands out as the key activity. Gang violence has been prevalent in Antwerp, Belgium’s main gateway for Latin American cocaine cartels into the continent. Additionally, drug use is on the rise across the whole country, indicating that trafficking is rapidly penetrating society.

Addressing the Threat of Organized Crime

The European commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, emphasizes that organized crime is one of the biggest threats faced by society today, as it undermines social order through corruption and extreme violence. To combat this issue, the data collected by Europol will be shared with law enforcement agencies in EU member countries, enabling more targeted efforts against these criminal networks.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The issues highlighted in the article are related to organized crime, corruption, and the infiltration of legal businesses by criminal networks. These issues are directly connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Additionally, SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, is relevant due to the involvement of criminal networks in the legal economy. Finally, SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, is connected to the issue of criminal activities taking place in urban areas.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime.
• Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 16.4, which focuses on combating organized crime and reducing illicit financial flows, Target 8.7, which aims to eradicate forced labor and human trafficking, and Target 11.7, which aims to provide safe and inclusive spaces in urban areas.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 16.4.1: Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows (in current United States dollars).
• Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
• Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, based on the identified targets, indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets include Indicator 16.4.1, which measures the total value of illicit financial flows, Indicator 8.7.1, which measures the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor, and Indicator 11.7.1, which measures the average share of open space in cities for public use.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: apnews.com

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