Authorities in Spain, Morocco and France have arrested five people suspected of organising and recruiting for serious violent crimes across Europe, Europol said. The arrests, carried out in August and September 2026, were coordinated through the agency’s Operational Taskforce GRIMM and targeted individuals allegedly directing violence from abroad. French authorities, working with Swedish police and Europol, arrested a man in his mid-20s in Paris on Sept. 29. He is suspected of instigating preparations for murder and recruiting individuals to carry out “violence-as-a-service” attacks. Earlier arrests included a 21-year-old Swedish national detained in Sitges, Spain, who is suspected of involvement in about 20 serious violent offences. Moroccan authorities also arrested three Swedish or Danish nationals in Tangier and Agadir. The suspects are wanted in connection with alleged murder plots, kidnappings, violent crimes and the direction of criminal networks. Europol said the task force is focused on identifying those who order, finance and coordinate attacks, as well as recruiters and facilitators responsible for weapons, transport and payments. The agency said criminal groups increasingly use social media and messaging platforms to recruit young people, including minors, with promises of money, status or belonging. Post navigation CCTV Released After Suspicious Fire