DIGITAL LIFE

Europol: Artificial Intelligence is driving organised crime in the EU

The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) today warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is driving organised crime in the EU as it intertwines with state-sponsored destabilising activities. The warning was issued at the launch of the latest edition of Europol’s four-yearly organised crime report, which draws on police data from across the European Union (EU) and helps shape law enforcement policy in the bloc. 

“Cybercrime is evolving into a digital arms race targeting governments, businesses and individuals, with AI-powered attacks becoming more precise and devastating,” said Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle. “Some attacks show a combination of profit and destabilising motives, as they are increasingly aligned with state and ideological motivations,” she added. 

The report, titled EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2025, says crimes ranging from drug trafficking to human trafficking, money laundering, cyberattacks and online fraud undermine society and the rule of law “by generating illicit revenue, spreading violence and normalising corruption”. 

The volume of child sexual abuse material available online has increased significantly due to AI, making it harder to analyse the footage and identify offenders, the report says. “By creating highly realistic synthetic media, criminals are able to deceive victims by impersonating individuals and discrediting or blackmailing targets. 

The addition of AI-powered voice cloning and live video deepfakes amplifies the threat, enabling new forms of fraud, extortion and identity theft,” the report reads. States seeking geopolitical advantage are also using criminals as contractors, the report says, citing cyberattacks against critical infrastructure and public institutions “originating from Russia and countries in its sphere of influence.”

“Actors in hybrid and traditional cybercrime will become increasingly intertwined, with state-sponsored actors masquerading as cybercriminals to hide their origins and true motives for disruption,” the report says.

AI and other technologies “are a catalyst for crime and boost the efficiency of criminal operations, increasing their speed, reach and sophistication,” the report says.

The European Commission is preparing to launch a new internal security policy.

“We must embed security in everything we do,” said Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration. He added that the EU intends to provide enough funding in the coming years to double the staff of Europol.

mundophone