Europol Tackles Digital Crime

Europol has released a concept paper addressing the growing issue of crime in the digital domain, as citizens spend more of their lives online. The report, authored by Europol’s Innovation Lab and the European Clearing Board’s Strategic Group on Online Policing, aims to guide law enforcement in creating a robust online presence to combat digital crime.

With the increasing exploitation of digital infrastructure by criminal networks, the paper highlights the need for police forces to adapt and establish a presence in virtual spaces. It presents a set of guiding principles based on practical experiences and academic insights, aiming to prevent online communities from becoming lawless areas. By promoting visibility and transparency, the guidelines encourage trust-building with at-risk groups and suggest innovative ways for citizens to contact law enforcement online.

Europol’s Innovation Lab, established in 2019, is pivotal in this effort, fostering innovative solutions to support EU Member States in their operational work. Since its launch, the European Clearing Board for Innovation has been instrumental in facilitating collaboration among law enforcement agencies across Europe, pooling resources and sharing best practices to enhance digital crime-fighting capabilities.

As digital crime continues to evolve, Europol’s initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that police forces remain effective and proactive in the online world, providing safety and protection akin to their roles in the physical domain.