Europol Targets ‘Violence-as-a-Service’

In a bid to curb the emerging trend of “violence-as-a-service,” Europol has launched an initiative targeting the complex network of roles that facilitate violent crimes. This initiative, spearheaded by Europol’s Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM, aims to dismantle the criminal chains that recruit and exploit young individuals to carry out attacks.

The taskforce has identified a four-stage process that underpins this criminal model, starting with the instigator who orders and finances the crime, often from abroad. The recruiter, who operates through encrypted apps, scouts for potential perpetrators. The enabler sets up the logistics, providing tools and financial arrangements, while the perpetrator—typically a minor with no prior criminal record—executes the crime.

Europol’s collaborative effort includes countries like Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The taskforce aims to target not only those who commit the acts but also the masterminds and facilitators behind them.

Launched in 2025, OTF GRIMM has already resulted in significant arrests, relying on intelligence shared across participating nations. As more countries join, the taskforce’s reach and effectiveness continue to grow, focusing on disrupting this insidious conveyor belt of violence.