Discussions during thematic meeting, organised by the European Commission and Europol, led to key conclusions on shared response to migrant smuggling activities online
On 29 and 30 April 2024, experts from law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, the EU and international organisations gathered at Europol headquarters to discuss the digital aspect of migrant smuggling, the first of a series of meetings as a follow-up to the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling launched in November.
Over 100 participants from 23 EU Member States and 12 non-EU countries, as well as representatives from the European Commission, Eurojust, the European External Action Service, Frontex, Interpol and UNODC took part in the meeting.
The discussions held during the meeting focussed on prevention, response, international cooperation and how to work with the private sector to tackle migrant smuggling activities enabled by the use of online platforms. The objective of the meeting was to identify the most suitable operational responses to this increasing threat, at both EU and global levels.
An effective response to tackle migrant smuggling in the digital domain
The criminal market for migrant smuggling activities has continued to grow, alongside existing and new crises worldwide. At the same time, it has become apparent that while offering ‘safe trips’ online, migrant smugglers are ruthless in their lack of regard for the lives and safety of migrants. Their lack of respect for human life has resulted in a number of tragic deadly incidents while transporting migrants during both sea crossings and on land. Migrant smugglers have quickly adjusted their modus operandi to profit from the opportunities offered by digital technologies to advertise and organise their illegal services and operations.
Tackling migrant smuggling in the digital space presents significant challenges for law enforcement and judicial authorities. Migrant smugglers have identified readily accessible digital tools often free of charge, the use of which facilitates their illegal operations. This toolbox used by smugglers is composed of online platforms, including social media applications, encrypted communications and cryptocurrencies.
Digitalisation enhances all aspects of this type of crime, such as the recruitment, advertisement and coordination of smuggling activities, as well as the laundering of illegal profits, and enables criminal actors to organise their illegal activities under law enforcement’s radar. Criminal actors are quick to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the online environment, encrypted communication solutions and easily accessible digital tools. Taking advantage of these opportunities offered by the digital world allows criminal organisations to become more efficient, agile and resilient against law enforcement intervention.
During the two-day conference, experts discussed the challenges they encounter in criminal investigations and shared knowledge and best practice. The participants identified common needs to tackle more effectively the challenges posed by the online component of migrant smuggling activities.
In that context, Europol’s Deputy Director Operations, Jean-Philippe Lecouffe said:
As technologies evolve and criminals adapt their business models, we need to stay one step ahead and continue to develop our policy and legislative frameworks, setting the right scene to tackle digital migrant smuggling activities more effectively. Increasing our technical capabilities, creating informal networks of experts and building effective cooperation with the private sector are crucial to combat migrants smuggling networks and prevent them from putting migrants’ lives migrants at risk.
Key conclusions of the meeting
- To use evidence uncovered in the digital realm more effectively in court, an informal network of experts trained in online monitoring should be created in all EU Member States and non-EU countries. This informal network will share information, good practices, IT solutions in cooperation with the judiciary.
- Cooperation among law enforcement and judiciary from EU and non-EU countries should be strengthened, with private parties to facilitate online investigations within the legally established framework, giving due respect to privacy.
- Law enforcement’s technical capabilities should be developed to improve and upgrade online monitoring and evidence-gathering in criminal investigations.
Headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, we support the 27 EU Member States in their fight against terrorism, cybercrime and other serious and organised forms of crime. We also work with many non-EU partner states and international organisations. From its various threat assessments to its intelligence-gathering and operational activities, Europol has the tools and resources it needs to do its part in making Europe safer.
