Global challenge of organized crime in Europe at the center of INTERPOL Regional Conference

TIRANA, Albania – The growing threat and globalization of organized crime is the major theme of INTERPOL’s European Regional Conference this week in Tirana, Albania.

During the three-day conference (June 11-13), some 160 senior police representatives from across the region and beyond will address emerging security threats in Europe, the fight against organized crime and future challenges of preserve the order. Migration, cybercrime and drug trafficking will also be discussed.

The conference was opened by Albanian Interior Minister Taulant Balla, who said:

“Today’s crimes are increasingly international. It is crucial that there is coordination between all the different actors to maintain a global security architecture.

“INTERPOL is the best global organization to provide this platform for cooperation; INTERPOL is the trusted partner that helps police from all member countries work directly with their counterparts, even between countries without diplomatic relations.

“As we all come from different countries and naturally speak different languages, organized crime speaks the same language, that of ‘illegal financial gain at all costs’, through cybercrime, human trafficking, narcotics , weapons, fraud, money laundering; activities that take place at the expense of our honest and innocent citizens.

INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi said:

“This year’s European Regional Conference takes place at a time when the security landscape in Europe is rapidly evolving. From the rise of cybercrime, terrorism, climate change to migration challenges, Europe needs a unified and strategic policing response to these current problems.

“In light of these challenges, the European Regional Conference presents an opportunity for member countries to engage in fruitful conversations, share intelligence and improve collaboration strategies. »

Jurgen Stock, Secretary General of INTERPOL, said:

“Senior police leaders from across Europe are coming together to better understand the criminal threats facing Europe, how these threats continue to evolve and grow, and what we can do – together – to tackle them. to face.

“We know that many people in Europe see this problem as something foreign – something that affects other people, in other countries – but we police know that it affects all countries and all communities.

“We also know that we can only overcome these challenges together. It may not be easy, but the solution cannot be found by working only with allies or in your region. We must work globally – not just in Europe – to combat this growing threat of organized crime.

In November 2023, at its General Assembly in Vienna, INTERPOL adopted a Vienna Declaration, which sets out the Organization’s concerns regarding this growth in organized crime. He also outlined the long-term measures needed to address this – prioritization at the highest levels of government, increased investment in technology, empowerment of frontline police and increased cooperation and information sharing.

INTERPOL’s European region is the most active, carrying out 4.2 billion searches of the Organization’s databases in 2023, almost half of all checks carried out worldwide.