Tackling threats, addressing challenges - Europol’s response to migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings in 2023 and onwards,

 By Europol’s European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC)

  Migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings (THB) pose a serious threat to the EU’s security, as well as to the irregular migrants and THB victims involved. Both crime areas are embedded in the broader serious and organised crime environment, with criminals taking advantage of existing infrastructures and engaging in multiple illegal activities. The criminals involved in these crime areas constantly adapt their methods to maximise profits and evade law enforcement. Geopolitical events, economic and social crises, as well as the digital environment, have provided new opportunities for criminals to exploit. Against the backdrop of irregular migration at EU’s external borders reaching in 2023 the highest levels since 2016, Europol’s European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC) is at the forefront of the EU’s fight against migrant smuggling, supporting EU Member States in disrupting the criminal networks that orchestrate this form of organised crime. The EMSC also continues to stand together with law enforcement in EU Member States to combat the criminal exploitation of vulnerable people for the purpose of economic gain. The EMSC’s mandate is first and foremost to provide operational support to cross-border investigations in the Member States, but also to deliver expertise and resources, as well as a platform for the swift and safe exchange of information. The successful operations supported by the EMSC reflect the pivotal role played by law enforcement authorities in the Member States in sharing information and initiating cross-border investigations, as well as the importance of joining efforts at EU level and beyond, to disrupt criminal networks active in migrant smuggling and THB.  

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union;, 2024. 15p.