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Child sexual abuse facilitated by technology: advances in research, but new challenges with AI

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Child sexual abuse facilitated by digital technologies remains one of the main concerns of European authorities. Although the member states of the Council of Europe have made significant progress in the investigation of these crimes, the protection of victims, and the training of professionals, a new report from the Lanzarote Committee warns that there are still significant shortcomings, particularly regarding the response to self-generated sexual images by minors and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.

The report assesses the level of compliance with the 28 recommendations made in 2022 under the Lanzarote Convention, the main international treaty for preventing and combating the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The conclusions show a positive development in various areas, but they also demonstrate that legislation and public policies have not yet fully adapted to new digital risks.

One of the main concerns of experts is that many countries continue to allow the same minors to be prosecuted for possessing or sharing sexual images that they themselves or their underage partner have generated. According to the report, nearly two-thirds of the analysed states maintain this legal possibility, while about half can also prosecute minors for disseminating their own intimate images.

The Lanzarote Committee considers that this response may be counterproductive, as it turns children who are often also victims into offenders. For this reason, it argues that, wherever possible, educational, preventive, and restorative measures should prevail over criminal sanctions. Only when these alternatives prove insufficient should recourse to the judicial route be taken.

The report also highlights significant developments in police investigative capabilities. In recent years, the number of countries that allow specialised cybercrime units to carry out undercover operations to identify online child sexual exploiters has nearly doubled. In addition, several states have increased the economic and human resources allocated to these specialised units.

International cooperation mechanisms have also been strengthened. More and more countries can prosecute their citizens or residents who commit sexual offences against minors abroad, even if these acts are not classified as crimes in the country where they occurred. Similarly, in many cases it is no longer necessary for the victim to file a complaint or for foreign authorities to initiate an investigation beforehand in order to take action.

Another positive aspect is the expansion of victim services. The number of countries with telephone lines and digital platforms tailored for children, where

they can receive specialised advice and help, has significantly increased. Funding allocated to social entities working on the prevention of child sexual exploitation and supporting victims has also increased.

At the same time, many U.S. states have strengthened the specific training of prosecutors, judges, police officers, and other professionals who can detect risky situations. However, the Committee notes that this training is not yet reaching all sectors related to childhood in a uniform manner, such as education, healthcare, social services, or sports and leisure activities.

The report pays special attention to the impact of generative artificial intelligence. Tools capable of creating hyper-realistic images and videos have increased the risk that criminals will produce child sexual abuse material without the need to obtain real photographs of the victims.

These synthetic images can be used to extort minors, emotionally manipulate them, facilitate grooming processes, or normalise sexual abuse behaviours. Its high quality makes it difficult in many cases to distinguish them from the real material, complicating both investigations and prevention strategies.

For this reason, the Lanzarote Committee and the Budapest Convention Committee on Cybercrime approved a joint declaration in June 2026 stating that images of child sexual abuse generated or modified by artificial intelligence—including those that are completely synthetic and do not depict any real minor—are already covered by both international conventions. Consequently, states that have ratified the treaties do not need to enact new specific laws to investigate and prosecute this type of material.

The conclusions of the report highlight that the fight against child sexual exploitation requires a constant updating of investigative tools, international cooperation, and victim protection mechanisms. At the same time, the emergence of artificial intelligence forces authorities to adapt their strategies to increasingly sophisticated forms of crime.

The message from the Council of Europe is clear: technology can become a tool for criminals, but it also offers new capabilities to detect and pursue them. Success will depend on maintaining a balance between effective investigation, the protection of children’s rights, and a proportionate judicial response, especially when those involved are minors.

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AI in policing: benefits are advancing faster than the safeguards, according to a new study

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the functioning of police forces and the criminal justice system. From the analysis of digital evidence to the automatic drafting of documents or the identification of criminal patterns, these technologies promise to improve efficiency and reduce the workload of professionals. However, a new study led by Northumbria University warns that the implementation of these tools is advancing more rapidly than the necessary control, oversight, and regulatory mechanisms to ensure safe, transparent, and responsible use.

The study, developed over four years as part of the PROBabLE Futures project, constitutes the most comprehensive map created to date on the use of AI in the criminal justice system of England and Wales. Researchers have identified a total of 70 artificial intelligence tools that are already operational, in testing phase, or in development. Of these, 27 are already being used operationally, while 34 are in pilot phases. More than half have been developed by private companies, a fact that also highlights the growing role of the technology sector in this area.

The detected applications are very diverse. They include automatic transcription of statements, assisted drafting of reports, classification of calls to emergency centres, analysis of large volumes of information to detect criminal patterns, identification of vulnerable individuals, management of digital evidence, drafting of legal documents, and facial recognition systems. There are also tools aimed at the well-being of officers, capable of identifying indicators of stress or psychosocial risk.

Researchers acknowledge that many of these applications provide real benefits when implemented correctly. Repetitive and administrative tasks can be automated, allowing professionals to dedicate more time to activities that require human judgement. Similarly, automated data analysis can facilitate faster investigations and help detect relevant information that might be overlooked in a manual review.

However, the main message of the report is that these advantages are only sustainable when the tools have been designed to address specific problems, have undergone rigorous testing, and operate under robust oversight mechanisms. According to the authors, this situation is not yet widespread, and in many cases, the speed of adoption exceeds the capacity of institutions to assess risks and establish clear governance standards.

One of the highlights of the study is the criticism of the concept of human in the loop, that is, the idea that a person always reviews the decisions or recommendations generated by AI before they have practical effects. In theory,

this mechanism should ensure that the final responsibility continues to rest with the individuals.

However, researchers observe that this oversight is often more formal than effective. When a tool demonstrates a high level of accuracy, users tend to trust it excessively and stop reviewing its results with the same attention. This creates a false sense of security: errors are infrequent, but when they occur, they are more likely to go unnoticed and can lead to significant consequences, especially in sensitive areas such as police investigations or judicial processes.

The report also warns of another emerging risk: the connection of various AI systems within the same process. If the information produced by one tool automatically feeds into another, any initial error can be transmitted and amplified throughout the entire decision chain. This phenomenon, known as «AI system chaining», has still been little studied, but the authors believe it deserves priority attention.

To address these challenges, the study formulates 26 recommendations aimed at public administrations, law enforcement agencies, the judicial system, technology providers, and the scientific community. Among the proposed measures are the conduct of independent assessments of all AI tools, the creation of public registries to know which systems are in use, the establishment of more stringent standards for their acquisition and validation, better training for professionals, and specific research on the risks arising from the interaction between different artificial intelligence systems.

In short, the study does not question the usefulness of AI in the police field nor does it advocate for halting innovation. On the contrary, it concludes that these technologies can bring great value when used responsibly and transparently. The real challenge is to ensure that technological development is accompanied by a robust framework of governance, oversight, and accountability. Only in this way will it be possible to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence without compromising fundamental rights, the quality of investigations, and the trust of citizens in security institutions.

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August

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Thank you for your co-opration. We return on 7 September. Have a good summer!

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The hospitality sector strengthens security to prevent violence against women and girls

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The UK Government and key representatives from the hospitality, tourism, and nightlife sectors have initiated a new phase of collaboration aimed at enhancing the safety of customers and workers, particularly regarding the prevention of violence against women and girls. This initiative highlights the fundamental role that hotels, tourist accommodations, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues can play as safe spaces and as the first line of detection for risk situations.

During a meeting held at Downing Street with representatives from the government, businesses, and specialised entities, it was agreed to promote new measures to improve existing security protocols and establish a permanent collaboration framework between public administrations and the private sector. The aim is to reduce opportunities for offenders to act both inside and around establishments while simultaneously providing professionals with the necessary tools to identify and manage situations of vulnerability.

One of the main innovations is the update of the security protocol for clients developed by UKHospitality, the association that represents the sector. This document, currently in the consultation phase, will incorporate recommendations on particularly sensitive aspects, such as procedures for accessing hotel rooms, protecting guest privacy, controlling keys or access cards, and staff responsibilities in the event of possible incidents.

The new protocol will also strengthen the training of workers to be able to detect risk indicators, identify potential victims of violence or exploitation, and act in accordance with clear and coordinated procedures. This training will be complemented by the support of specialised organisations, which will advise companies on the identification, reporting, and management of abuse cases.

This approach highlights an increasingly relevant aspect of corporate safety: prevention. Safety in the hospitality sector is no longer limited solely to access control, video surveillance, or emergency response, but incorporates a human dimension based on early detection, the protection of vulnerable individuals, and coordination with public services and social entities.

The initiative also aims to strengthen and continue programmes that are already successfully operating in the United Kingdom, such as «Ask Angela», which offers discreet help to individuals who feel threatened in a leisure venue; «Best Bar None», which promotes high standards of safety and quality in establishments; «Pubwatch», which encourages collaboration between venues and police forces to prevent incidents; and «Purple Flag», an accreditation system that recognises cities with a safe and well-managed nightlife offering.

The data supporting this initiative are concerning. According to official figures from the United Kingdom, during the year ending in March 2025, approximately 5.1 million people experienced some form of domestic violence, sexual assault, or harassment, a figure that represents more than 10% of the adult population. In light of this reality, the British Government has positioned the fight against violence towards women and girls as one of its main priorities, with an investment of £550 million allocated to support victims over the next three years and with the aim of reducing this type of violence by half within a decade.

The involvement of the tourism sector is particularly significant, as it contributes very importantly to the British economy and employs over a million people, many of whom are women. This makes hotels, tourist accommodations, and catering establishments strategic spaces both for preventing risk situations and for providing a quick and effective response when possible cases of violence are detected.

From the perspective of security professionals, this initiative is a good example of how the protection of people requires a comprehensive approach. The combination of operational protocols, specialised training, institutional coordination, and staff awareness contributes to creating safer and more resilient environments. Beyond technological measures, the culture of prevention and the ability of workers to act become key elements in reducing risks and protecting victims.

Ultimately, this collaboration between public administration, the business sector, and specialised organisations represents an important step towards a more preventive, participatory, and people-oriented security model. The British experience can serve as a reference for other countries and for security professionals seeking to incorporate new protection strategies in high-traffic environments.

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State of citizen security in Bulgaria

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Citizen security in Bulgaria is generally considered acceptable and comparable to that of other European Union countries, although it still presents some challenges related to property crime, corruption, and organised crime. In recent years, Bulgarian authorities have promoted various measures to strengthen public security, modernise police forces, and increase cooperation with other European states.

The majority of recorded crimes in the country correspond to thefts, larcenies, property crimes, and economic fraud. Violent crimes, such as homicides or violent robberies, have a relatively low incidence compared to other European countries. According to recent data from the Ministry of the Interior, the total number of recorded crimes has decreased in recent years, while the police resolution rate has increased slightly, reflecting an improvement in the effectiveness of security services.

The main cities, especially Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas, concentrate a significant portion of common crime. Street thefts, pickpocketing, and scams targeting tourists are the most common incidents, especially in crowded areas, transport stations, and tourist destinations during the high season. For this reason, the authorities recommend keeping belongings monitored and avoiding displaying valuable items in public spaces.

One of the main challenges for Bulgaria remains the fight against corruption and organised crime. Despite the progress made since the country’s accession to the European Union in 2007, various international organisations indicate that there are still criminal networks involved in activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, money laundering, and administrative corruption. These activities primarily affect the economic and institutional sphere rather than the everyday safety of the population.

Regarding citizen perception, Bulgaria exhibits moderately high levels of the feeling of security. Various surveys indicate that most residents feel safe walking alone during the day, while the perception of risk increases slightly at night. Citizens’ main concerns are related to corruption, property crimes, and drug trafficking rather than physical violence.

Bulgarian institutions maintain close cooperation with European bodies such as Europol and Frontex to combat cross-border crime, especially due to the country’s geographical situation as a gateway between Europe and Asia. This cooperation is especially relevant in the fight against human trafficking, smuggling, and irregular immigration.

Statistically, Bulgaria has an official system for collecting data on crime, accused persons, and convicted individuals, managed by the National Statistical Institute. These data allow for tracking the evolution of different types of crimes and serve as the basis for public policies on prevention and security.

In conclusion, Bulgaria is a country that offers a generally satisfactory level of citizen security for both its residents and visitors. Despite the persistence of structural problems linked to corruption and organised crime, violent crime remains relatively low, and authorities continue to strengthen mechanisms for prevention, investigation, and international cooperation. For tourists and residents, the most common risks remain petty theft and occasional scams, which can be prevented by adopting basic precautionary measures.

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Preventive diversion measures of the juvenile criminal system: a strategy to reduce crime and strengthen security

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The latest data published by the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales show that preventive diversion measures have become an effective tool for reducing recidivism among young people and improving community safety. Far from being an experimental programme, this approach to addressing juvenile delinquency is part of the regular operation of the services of the juvenile justice system and its institutional partners.

Preventive diversion measures consist of intervening early when a minor commits an offence, avoiding, whenever possible, their entry into the formal criminal system. Instead of prioritising punishment, efforts are made to identify the causes that have led to criminal behaviour—such as family problems, school absenteeism, mental health difficulties, or social exclusion—and to offer educational, restorative, and supportive responses. The goal is not to evade responsibilities, but to prevent the young person from reoffending and to reduce the risk of becoming involved in more serious acts.

Data for the year 2025 indicate that approximately 13,500 actions managed by the juvenile justice system services were resolved through preventive diversion mechanisms, representing 43% of the total cases in which these services intervened. The study’s authors point out, however, that this figure is still higher in practice, as it does not include the deviations managed exclusively by police forces or other local services.

Various international studies agree that formal criminal intervention on minors, especially when it occurs in the early stages, can increase the likelihood of reoffending. In contrast, well-structured preventive diversion programmes yield better results both in reducing new crimes and in decreasing the pressure on police, judicial, and penitentiary resources. This evidence reinforces the idea that an effective security policy is not based solely on punitive response, but also on prevention and early intervention.

The report also highlights that the system of preventive diversion measures is already functioning on a large scale. If current levels are maintained, nearly 50,000 young people will be served through these mechanisms over the next three years. This volume demonstrates that preventive diversion measures are now a central piece of public security policies and the juvenile criminal system, supported by collaboration among social services, police, local administrations, the educational system, and third sector entities.

Despite the positive results, the data also highlight significant differences between territories. While in Wales 63% of resolutions are preventive in nature, in London this percentage drops to 17%. These variations are partly due to differences in policing models, the characteristics of crimes, or local policies, but

they also reflect a lack of uniformity that can create inequalities in access to these opportunities.

The report also analyses the differences according to the ethnic origin of minors. White youths are significantly more likely to benefit from preventive diversion than Black youths (53% compared to 27%). Although part of this difference can be explained by territorial factors, the authors acknowledge that this is not sufficient to justify it. For this reason, the principle formulated years ago by David Lammy is recalled: when there are inequalities in the justice system, they must be explainable with objective data or reforms must be promoted to correct them.

To advance towards greater equity, the Youth Justice Board is promoting various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of professional decisions. Among them, a shared work platform between police and youth justice services stands out to disseminate best practices, as well as a standardised assessment tool that helps professionals evaluate the needs, strengths, and risks of each minor using objective criteria, reducing the impact of potential subjective biases.

The document concludes that preventive diversion measures constitute an investment in public safety. Intervening before problems escalate allows for reducing recidivism, better protecting victims, facilitating the reintegration of young people, and optimising public resources. Furthermore, the recent white paper on the youth criminal justice system from the British Government consolidates this strategic orientation, placing prevention and early intervention as central axes of future public policies.

Ultimately, the experience of England and Wales shows that security does not depend solely on the ability to sanction, but also on the ability to prevent. Betting on evidence-based interventions, coordinated among different institutions and focused on the needs of young people, allows for more effective crime reduction and the building of safer communities.

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World Cup 2026: the new risks of financial crime in sports betting

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only one of the most followed sporting events on the planet, but also one of the most attractive for criminal organisations. The enormous volume of bets generated by this tournament, along with the expansion of cryptocurrency-based prediction markets, is opening new avenues for organised crime to launder capital, manipulate markets, and exploit the difficulties faced by regulators in controlling these activities.

Traditionally, illegal gambling has been a tool used to launder money from criminal activities. The mechanism is simple: illicit money is deposited in betting platforms and, after several operations, the winnings are withdrawn as if they were legitimate income. The most sophisticated criminal networks use multiple accounts and bet on different outcomes to minimise losses and give the appearance of legality to their funds.

The emergence of so-called prediction markets has introduced a new dimension to the problem. Unlike traditional betting houses, these platforms operate as a marketplace where users buy and sell positions on the outcome of an event, often using cryptocurrencies. This structure facilitates almost instantaneous international operations and hinders the tracing of financial flows by the authorities.

In addition to the risk of money laundering, these markets present other significant vulnerabilities. One is the use of insider information, that is, individuals with early access to relevant data —such as player injuries, line-ups, or refereeing decisions— who can gain economic benefits before this information becomes public. The other is the manipulation of sporting events, especially through the known spot-fixing, which consists of altering specific actions in a match (yellow cards, corners, or penalties) without needing to influence the final result.

According to various international organisations, the volume of money that moves annually in illegal betting markets is enormous and continues to grow. The increase in online gambling, especially in emerging countries, along with the widespread use of e-wallets, mobile payment systems, and cryptocurrencies, has created a highly fragmented financial infrastructure. This fragmentation makes it difficult for a single authority to track the complete flow of money, especially when operations cross various jurisdictions.

Cryptocurrencies add complexity, but they also offer some transparency. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain, allowing investigators to analyse the movements of funds. However, identifying who is behind each digital wallet remains one of the main challenges, especially when users utilise multiple addresses, intermediary services, or platforms located in countries with limited regulation.

This scenario highlights another difficulty: the lack of regulatory harmonisation. Some countries consider prediction markets as financial instruments, while others equate them to gambling or simply do not yet have a specific legal framework. This regulatory diversity enables platforms to operate internationally by taking advantage of the differences between legislations and complicates cooperation between supervisory bodies.

For security professionals, the prevention of this type of crime requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is not enough to protect the integrity of sports competitions; it is also necessary to strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) prevention systems, improve know your customer (KYC) mechanisms, enhance transaction analysis in blockchain, and promote information sharing among regulators, financial entities, technology platforms, and law enforcement.

Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup represents much more than a sporting competition. It is also a testament to the ability of monitoring systems to adapt to an increasingly digital, global, and decentralised financial ecosystem. The evolution of sports betting and prediction markets demonstrates that financial crime is also constantly innovating, and that control mechanisms must evolve at the same pace if they want to continue protecting the integrity of the financial system and of sports.

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Intensive Supervision Courts: a new strategy to reduce recidivism in the United Kingdom

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The UK Government has announced a significant expansion of the Intensive Supervision Courts, a model inspired by initiatives developed in the United States, particularly in the state of Texas. The main objective is to reduce recidivism among low-level habitual offenders through a system that combines very strict judicial oversight with rehabilitation and social support programmes.

To promote this initiative, the Ministry of Justice will allocate £9 million to expand the number of these courts, which will increase from five to eleven locations across the country. The measure will focus especially on individuals with a long history of minor offences, women, and offenders with addiction problems or other factors that hinder their reintegration.

Unlike the traditional judicial model, these courts establish a continuous relationship between the judge and the offender. Each participant appears periodically before the same judge, who supervises compliance with the imposed conditions, evaluates the evolution of the case, and can adapt the measures according to the results obtained. This ongoing supervision aims to strengthen personal accountability and ensure that the commitments made are effectively fulfilled.

Participants must attend court sessions, follow addiction treatment programmes, engage in rehabilitation activities, and comply with any other conditions set by the court. Non-compliance entails immediate consequences, such as an increase in control measures, the imposition of electronic monitoring devices, or, in the most serious cases, imprisonment for violating the conditions of the sentence.

The government defends this strategy by arguing that many repeat offenders have mental health problems, addictions, personal traumas, or social vulnerability situations that directly contribute to their ability to commit crimes repeatedly. For this reason, it is believed that acting solely with prison sentences often does not address the causes that lead to criminal behaviour and may promote a continuous cycle of recidivism.

The data provided by the Ministry indicates that the problem-solving court models implemented in several countries have managed to reduce new arrests by approximately one third compared to traditional systems. The experience of Texas is also highlighted, where this approach is associated with a significant decrease in the prison population and a 29% reduction in crime rates.

The initial results of the pilot projects developed in Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Teesside have also been positively evaluated. According to the official assessment, approximately two-thirds of the participants fully met the conditions imposed by the court. Among offenders with severe drug addiction issues, toxicology tests were negative in nearly two-thirds of cases. In addition,

probation service professionals and treatment teams have observed a decrease in drug and alcohol consumption, as well as improved attention to mental health issues.

From a public safety perspective, this initiative represents a paradigm shift. The goal is no longer solely to punish the crime, but to reduce the risk of the offender reoffending. If risk factors can be controlled through close supervision and appropriate treatment, it is possible to decrease the number of victims, reduce the pressure on the prison system, and optimise the resources allocated to the fight against crime.

This model also allows for reserving prison spaces for the most dangerous criminals, while lower-risk offenders are subjected to intensive monitoring within the community. Alongside this, the UK Government has announced an increase of up to £700 million in funding for probation services until 2028-2029, the addition of at least 1,300 new supervision officers and an unprecedented expansion of electronic monitoring systems through GPS devices and alcohol controls.

Overall, this reform reflects an increasingly prevalent trend in modern security policies: combining firmness in the enforcement of sentences with interventions aimed at addressing the causes of recidivism. Although it will be necessary to assess the long-term results, international experience suggests that this type of court can contribute to improving both citizen security and the efficiency of the criminal justice system.

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Les tribunaux de surveillance intensive : une nouvelle stratégie pour réduire la récidive au Royaume-Uni

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Le Gouvernement britannique a annoncé une extension importante des tribunaux de surveillance intensive (Intensive Supervision Courts), un modèle inspiré d’expériences menées aux États-Unis, notamment dans l’État du Texas. L’objectif principal est de réduire la récidive chez les délinquants habituellement auteurs d’infractions de faible gravité grâce à un système combinant un contrôle judiciaire particulièrement étroit avec des programmes de réinsertion et d’accompagnement social.

Pour promouvoir cette initiative, le ministère de la Justice consacrera 9 millions de livres à l’extension du dispositif, dont le nombre de tribunaux passera de cinq à onze sites répartis sur l’ensemble du pays. Cette mesure ciblera en priorité les personnes ayant un long passé de petite délinquance, les femmes ainsi que les auteurs d’infractions souffrant d’addictions ou confrontés à d’autres difficultés compromettant leur réinsertion.

Contrairement au modèle judiciaire traditionnel, ces tribunaux instaurent une relation suivie entre le juge et la personne condamnée. Chaque participant comparaît régulièrement devant le même juge, qui contrôle le respect des obligations imposées, évalue l’évolution de sa situation et peut adapter les mesures en fonction des résultats obtenus. Ce suivi continu vise à renforcer la prise de responsabilité des intéressés et à garantir le respect effectif des engagements pris.

Les participants sont tenus d’assister aux audiences, de suivre des programmes de traitement des addictions, de participer à des actions de réhabilitation et de respecter toute autre obligation fixée par le tribunal. Tout manquement entraîne des conséquences immédiates, telles qu’un renforcement des mesures de contrôle, l’imposition d’un dispositif de surveillance électronique ou, dans les cas les plus graves, une incarcération pour non-respect des conditions de la condamnation.

Le Gouvernement justifie cette approche en soulignant que de nombreux délinquants récidivistes souffrent de troubles de la santé mentale, d’addictions, de traumatismes ou de situations de grande précarité, autant de facteurs qui favorisent la répétition des actes délictueux. Pour cette raison, il estime que le recours exclusif à l’emprisonnement ne permet souvent pas de traiter les causes profondes de la délinquance et risque d’entretenir un cycle permanent de récidive.

Les données fournies par le Ministère indiquent que les tribunaux spécialisés dans la résolution des problèmes, mis en place dans plusieurs pays, ont permis de réduire d’environ un tiers le nombre de nouvelles arrestations par rapport aux systèmes judiciaires classiques. Le Ministère met également en avant l’expérience du Texas, où cette approche est associée à une diminution significative de la population carcérale ainsi qu’à une baisse de 29 % des taux de criminalité.

Les premiers résultats des projets pilotes menés à Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool et Teesside sont également jugés encourageants. Selon l’évaluation officielle, environ deux tiers des participants ont respecté l’intégralité des obligations imposées par le tribunal. Parmi les délinquants souffrant d’une forte dépendance aux drogues, les tests toxicologiques se sont révélés négatifs dans près de deux tiers des cas. De plus, les professionnels des services de probation et les équipes de prise en charge ont par ailleurs constaté une diminution de la consommation de drogues et d’alcool, ainsi qu’une amélioration de la prise en charge des troubles de la santé mentale.

Du point de vue de la sécurité publique, cette initiative marque un véritable changement de paradigme. L’objectif n’est plus seulement de sanctionner le délit, mais de réduire le risque de récidive. Si les facteurs de risque peuvent être maîtrisés grâce à un suivi étroit et à une prise en charge adaptée, il devient possible de réduire le nombre de victimes, d’alléger la pression sur le système pénitentiaire et d’optimiser les ressources consacrées à la lutte contre la délinquance.

Ce modèle permet également de réserver les places en détention aux délinquants les plus dangereux, tandis que les auteurs d’infractions présentant un risque faible font l’objet d’un contrôle intensif au sein de la communauté. Parallèlement, le Gouvernement britannique a annoncé une augmentation pouvant atteindre 700 millions de livres dans le financement des services de probation d’ici à 2028-2029, le recrutement d’au moins 1 300 nouveaux agents de probation ainsi qu’un déploiement sans précédent des dispositifs de surveillance électronique, notamment au moyen de bracelets GPS et de systèmes de contrôle de l’alcool.

Dans l’ensemble, cette réforme reflète une tendance de plus en plus présente dans les politiques de sécurité contemporaines : combiner la fermeté dans l’application des peines avec des interventions visant à traiter les causes de la récidive. Bien qu’il soit nécessaire d’évaluer les résultats à long terme, l’expérience internationale laisse penser que ce type de tribunal peut contribuer à renforcer à la fois la sécurité publique et l’efficacité du système de justice pénale.

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Criminal opportunism: how organised crime networks are evolving in the European Union

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Europol’s latest report, «Decoding the EU’s most threatening criminal networks – Issue 2 – The blueprint of criminal opportunism», published in June 2026, provides an updated overview of the state of organised crime in the European Union and highlights an increasingly evident reality: criminal organisations not only survive police pressure but constantly evolve by taking advantage of any opportunity offered by today’s digital, financial, and geopolitical society.

One of the most notable data points is that 76% of the 821 high-risk criminal networks identified by Europol in 2024 are no longer considered among the most dangerous. This result is the consequence of numerous coordinated operations among European police forces, based on police intelligence, financial investigations, and international cooperation. In many cases, organisations have been dismantled, while in others they have fragmented, changed their structure, or lost operational capacity.

However, these positive data conceal a troubling reality. The report identifies 198 criminal networks that remain active and that, in many cases, are the most established, hierarchical, and difficult to dismantle. Moreover, during this same period, 533 new networks have emerged, which demonstrates the great adaptability of organised crime. When an organisation disappears, other organisations often emerge to quickly fill its space.

Europol highlights that these networks do not operate in isolation. They are part of a genuine criminal ecosystem, in which different groups cooperate and share resources, specialised services, knowledge, and contacts. This interconnection provides them with great resilience and allows them to react quickly to any police action.

The report also emphasises the technological transformation of organised crime. Criminal organisations are increasingly using digital platforms, encrypted communication applications, internet services, and artificial intelligence-based tools to expand their activities, attract victims, automate processes, and reduce the risk of being detected. This phenomenon demonstrates that digitalisation represents an opportunity for both society and criminals.

In the economic sphere, criminal networks exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems to conceal profits obtained illegally. The use of cryptocurrencies, sophisticated money laundering techniques , and seemingly legitimate businesses facilitates the movement of money between countries and the reinvestment of profits into new criminal activities. This professionalisation makes investigations increasingly complex and requires close collaboration between police units, judicial authorities, and financial institutions.

According to Europol, the analysed networks group more than 400,000 members from 118 different nationalities and engage in a wide range of activities. Among the most common are drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking, financial fraud, labour exploitation, and other forms of serious crime that often have an international dimension.

Europol officials insist that the results obtained so far demonstrate the effectiveness of European police cooperation, but they also warn that the fight against organised crime cannot be limited to the arrest of criminals. A comprehensive response involving public administrations, the private sector, technology companies, financial institutions, and citizens is necessary. Prevention, the exchange of information, and innovation are essential elements for reducing the opportunities that these organisations exploit.

Another relevant conclusion is that criminal groups are extraordinarily opportunistic. Any economic crisis, international conflict, technological advance, or regulatory change can become a new source of illicit business. This capacity for adaptation compels authorities to anticipate risks, strengthen strategic intelligence, and invest in new analytical and research tools.

In short, the Europol report conveys a dual message. On one hand, it confirms that international cooperation and coordinated investigations yield tangible results and allow for the dismantling of many of the most dangerous criminal networks. On the other hand, it warns that organised crime continues to reinvent itself rapidly, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by digital transformation, globalisation, and the complexity of financial systems.

For the security sector, this report is an essential reference. Beyond the figures, it highlights that the future of the fight against organised crime will depend on the ability to combine technology, international cooperation, police intelligence, and active involvement from all social actors. Only in this way will it be possible to reduce the resilience of criminal networks and more effectively protect the security of citizens and European institutions.

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