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The state of public security in Germany

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Germany is traditionally considered one of the safest countries in Europe due to its strong institutions, a professional police force, and a consolidated judicial system. However, in recent years, the debate on public safety has gained importance due to the increase in certain forms of crime, as well as social changes and new threats such as political radicalisation or cybercrime.

According to police statistics, approximately 5.94 million crimes were recorded in Germany in 2023, representing an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year. This increase is partly explained by the recovery of social and economic life after the COVID-19 pandemic, a period during which many crimes decreased due to mobility restrictions and limitations on daily activities. With the return to normality, various types of crime have returned to levels similar to or even higher than those before 2020.

One of the aspects that concerns the authorities the most is the increase in interpersonal violence. In 2023, more than 214,000 violent crimes were recorded, the highest figure in the last fifteen years. This type of crime includes serious assaults, violent robberies, and other forms of physical violence. There has also been an increase in knife attacks and episodes of street violence in certain areas.

In addition, sexual offences have also shown an upward trend in recent years. Reports of rape and sexual assault have notably increased, which has generated debate about the need to strengthen prevention measures, improve victim protection, and enhance the effectiveness of police investigations.

Although these increases do exist in some areas, it is important to contextualize the data. In the long term, crime in Germany has significantly decreased since the late 20th century. This decline is partly explained by the improvement of security policies, technological advances in protection systems, and better coordination between police and judicial institutions.

The distribution of crime is not homogeneous across the territory. Large cities concentrate a significant portion of recorded crimes, especially those related to thefts, burglaries, and assaults. Cities like Berlin, Bremen, or Hamburg have higher crime rates, while some federal states like Bavaria record lower levels and higher police resolution rates.

Thefts and burglaries continue to be one of the most frequent categories within crime statistics. After the pandemic, there has also been a rise in burglaries in homes and private spaces. Another phenomenon that is particularly concerning is the increase in politically motivated crimes. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in these incidents, especially those linked to the far right.

There have also been recorded violent incidents against migrants, religious communities, and individuals from the LGTBIQ+ community, as well as an increase in antisemitic crimes. These trends reflect a certain radicalisation in some sectors of society.

Cybercrime is another of the major challenges today. Cyberattacks, digital fraud, and other internet-related economic crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often have an international dimension. Although some statistics show a slight reduction in reported cases, authorities believe that many of these crimes go unreported, especially in the business sector, and that economic damages continue to rise.

To tackle these challenges, Germany has strengthened its specialised units in digital research and increased international cooperation among security forces.

The German security system is based on a federal structure in which police responsibility mainly falls on the federal states, while the federal government coordinates competencies related to border security, the fight against terrorism, and national or international criminal investigations.

In response to new security challenges, authorities have implemented various measures such as increasing police presence in public spaces, modernising the technology of security forces, and expanding digital investigation capabilities. Legislative reforms have also been proposed to restrict the use of bladed weapons in public spaces and to strengthen surveillance in certain urban areas.

In conclusion, Germany remains a relatively safe country compared to many other European and world states. However, the recent evolution of crime shows a more complex situation, marked by new challenges such as street violence, political radicalisation, and digital threats.

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New legal advice service for rape victims in the United Kingdom

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The British government has announced a set of important reforms to improve the judicial system’s response to rape cases, as well as to strengthen the protection of victims. The measures include the creation of a new national Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) service for victims of rape and the expansion of the principles of Operation Soteria in the courtrooms. These initiatives are part of a broader plan to make the criminal justice system fairer, faster, and more victim-centred, as well as to combat violence against women and girls.

One of the main innovations is the launch of a national Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) service, which will provide specialised legal support to victims of rape throughout the criminal process. This service, which will be launched at the end of the year, will initially have a funding of six million pounds over two years. The objective is to ensure that victims have access to independent legal advice during the most complex phases of investigations and trials.

Independent legal advisors will help victims understand their rights within the judicial system and assist them when authorities request sensitive personal information. This includes, for example, medical records, notes from psychological counselling, or data from mobile phones. In many cases, these requests can be invasive or disproportionate, and legal advisors may challenge them when they are not strictly necessary for the investigation. This measure aims to reduce the feeling, often reported by victims, that the criminal justice system examines their private life more than the behaviour of the alleged aggressor.

In parallel, the government will expand the principles of Operation Soteria in the judicial phase of rape cases. This initiative, launched in 2021, had already changed the way police and prosecutors investigate these crimes. Its approach focuses on analysing the behaviour and patterns of the suspect, rather than placing the main emphasis on the victim. This implies prioritising evidence related to the suspect and limiting access to the victim’s personal records only in cases where they have clear evidentiary value.

With the new expansion, the government wants to ensure that the same approach is maintained when cases reach the courts. That is why an academic expert has been tasked with examining whether, during the trials, judicial practices continue to subject victims to excessive scrutiny. The objective of this pilot study is to identify possible improvements in the training of judges and prosecutors, as well as in the guidelines and best judicial practices to ensure that trials focus primarily on the actions of the suspect.

According to the British government, these reforms are also part of a broader effort to modernise the judicial system and reduce delays in the resolution of cases. Recent published data indicates that, even with investments and efficiency improvements, the backlog of cases in the Crown Court could reach 133,000 cases by 2035. However, the package of structural reforms proposed by the government could reduce this figure to approximately 49,000 cases in the same period, preventing thousands of victims from having to wait years to obtain justice.

Among the reforms included in the court bill is the creation of new “Swift Courts” designed to handle cases with predictable sentences of up to three years, which would be judged only by a judge. It has also been proposed to increase the sentencing powers of magistrates to 18 months in prison, with the aim of freeing up resources from the Crown Court so that it can focus on more serious offences. Despite these reforms, jury trials will remain for the most serious crimes, including rape, murder, or serious bodily harm.

Finally, the government has emphasised that these measures are part of a broader strategy to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade. In this context, more than one billion pounds of investment have been announced, including 550 million allocated for victim support services and nearly 500 million for safe housing for people fleeing abuse.

Together, these reforms aim to transform the way the criminal justice system handles cases of rape. The main objective is to ensure that victims receive adequate support, that judicial processes are less traumatic, and that the focus of investigations and trials is primarily on the behaviour of the alleged aggressors. This guidance aims to strengthen victims’ confidence in the judicial system and improve their ability to obtain justice.

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Smart police stations in Ethiopia: digitalisation of public safety

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Ethiopia is experimenting with a new model of police station called smart police station. This pilot project, installed in the Bole district of the capital, Addis Ababa, is part of a broader government effort to modernise public administration through digitalisation. The initiative is part of the national technological transformation strategy Digital Ethiopia 2030, driven by the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

As reported by Daniel Dadzie from the BBC, unlike a traditional police station, this new model operates without officers physically present to assist citizens. Instead of a counter with police officers, the space has booths with digital tablets where users can file complaints or report incidents. The system guides the citizen through a simple process: first, they must select the type of incident, such as a crime, a traffic issue, or a general inquiry, and then enter the corresponding information. Once the request is submitted, a real officer, located in a remote location, appears on a screen to continue the conversation, ask questions, and complete the report. If the situation requires it, a patrol can be sent immediately to the indicated location.

This model seeks to bring police service closer to citizens and facilitate access to reporting, especially in areas where there is a lack of police personnel or where the presence of traditional infrastructures is limited. According to project leaders, the future of security services lies in systems that are more connected to the population and with greater technological integration. Digitalisation allows for the reduction of administrative procedures, accelerates case management, and optimises available human resources.

However, the project is still in an initial phase. During its first week of operation, the smart police station only received three reports: the loss of a passport, a case of financial fraud, and a routine complaint. This reduced volume reflects that the system is still little known among the population and that it needs time for citizens to become familiar with it.

The initiative is part of a broader process of digitising public services in Ethiopia. The government has promoted various measures to modernise administration, including the creation of a national digital identity system, the expansion of electronic payments, and the digitisation of more than a hundred government services. The objective is to adapt public institutions to the needs of an increasingly urban, young, and connected society.

Despite these advances, the country still faces significant structural challenges. One of the main issues is the digital divide. According to recent data from international organisations, approximately 79% of the Ethiopian population still does not have access to the Internet. This reality limits the impact of digital initiatives and creates the risk that certain sectors of society may be excluded from new services. Elderly people, rural communities, and groups with fewer economic resources are especially vulnerable to this technological exclusion.

Another challenge is the level of digital skills. For projects like smart police stations to function correctly, citizens must have a minimum level of familiarity with digital tools. Without this technological literacy, the use of systems can become complicated or even create new forms of vulnerability, such as scams or identity theft.

There are also concerns related to information security and privacy protection. Digital reporting and data management systems require robust technological infrastructures and adequate protection mechanisms to prevent leaks or misuse of citizens’ personal information.

Despite these challenges, several experts believe that investments in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and training are essential steps to modernise the functioning of the State. The expansion of broadband, the growth of electronic payments, and the progressive digitalisation of public services indicate that Ethiopia is trying to reduce the technological gap with other countries.

In this context, the smart police station of Addis Ababa mainly represents an experiment. It is still not a consolidated model, nor does it replace traditional police stations, which remain the main point of contact between the police and the public. However, this pilot project offers a glimpse of how police services could evolve in the future, combining physical presence and digital tools to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Ultimately, the initiative reflects Ethiopia’s ambition to move towards a more digital and efficient public administration. However, its success will depend not only on the technology implemented but also on the country’s ability to reduce the digital divide, improve the technological literacy of the population, and ensure data security. Only in this way can projects like smart police stations become a truly useful tool for reinforcing security and trust between citizens and institutions.

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Today is bank holiday in Catalonia. We don’t publish any post. See you on Wednesday

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A cocaine trafficking network has been dismantled through its financial trail

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An international criminal network that laundered the profits of cocaine for Italian organised crime has been dismantled after investigators traced the money across Europe.

What began as suspicious financial movements constituted a sophisticated money laundering system that served members of the Camorra and the ‘Ndrangheta. Behind shell companies, fake invoices, and luxury investments, millions of euros in cocaine profits were being cleaned and reinvested throughout Europe.

The investigation was led by the French National Gendarmerie, in collaboration with the Italian Carabinieri and the Swiss Federal Office of Police (fedpol). It was supported by the Belgian Judicial Federal Police of Antwerp, the Bulgarian State Agency for National Security, the German Customs and the Ecuadorian National Police, under the coordination of Europol and Eurojust.

As a result of the financial flows, investigators identified a Montenegrin citizen, known as a high-value target of Europol and wanted by several European countries. The suspect had settled in the Cannes area of France, with close relatives, including his Italian son-in-law, known to the Italian authorities for money laundering, fraud, and arms trafficking offences.

The financial investigation revealed that the money laundering network was directly linked to large-scale cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe.

It is suspected that the group coordinates maritime shipments of significant quantities of cocaine to the main ports of Europe. A major seizure by the Belgian customs at the end of 2025 was linked to the Montenegrin suspect, marking a decisive breakthrough in the investigation.

Investigators discovered a highly structured organisation. The network was based on substantial financial capacity, crypto assets, weekly cross-border travel in luxury vehicles with sophisticated concealment compartments, and a corporate network spanning multiple jurisdictions.

In February of this year, the authorities carried out coordinated arrests and searches in France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. Seven suspects have been arrested (four in France, three in Italy), including the high-value Montenegrin target.

In the French Riviera, luxury vehicles were seized, along with high-end properties worth more than 5 million euros. Additional companies and assets were also seized in Switzerland and Italy.

Europol has supported this investigation since 2023, and it quickly became one of the most active operations of the Agency within its European Financial and Economic Crime Centre.

The case deployed the full range of Europol services: advanced criminal and financial analysis, secure real-time communication, and on-the-ground deployments in France and Italy to support national investigators and build a shared operational picture.

In 2024, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was established at Eurojust between France, Italy, and Switzerland, allowing for close judicial coordination. Through Europol, other partners (Belgium, Germany, and Ecuador) joined the investigation, expanding its impact.

The @ON Network, funded by the European Commission and led by the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA), provided financial support for operational meetings and the deployment of investigators.

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Chocolate under lock and key

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In recent months, several supermarkets in the United Kingdom have begun to implement unusual security measures on a seemingly harmless product: chocolate. Chains such as Sainsbury’s, as well as Tesco and Co-op, have chosen to place chocolate bars inside anti-theft plastic boxes, a system usually reserved for premium alcoholic beverages or electronic devices.

This decision responds to a significant increase in chocolate theft, which, according to the sector, is no longer the result of occasional thefts, but rather a systematic activity linked to organised crime and resale in illegal markets.

According to the Association of Convenience Stores(ACS), confectionery—especially chocolate—has become one of the most shoplifted products in convenience stores. Its combination of economic value, easy transport, and high demand makes it an especially attractive target.

Merchants report that thefts are often carried out on request. This implies that the products are not consumed immediately but are subsequently distributed through illegal channels: other establishments, informal markets, or businesses that purchase goods at reduced prices without verifying their origin.

This phenomenon is not isolated. According to data from the British Retail Consortium, during the last year, there were 5.5 million incidents of theft in retail establishments in the United Kingdom. In addition, an average of 1,600 daily incidents of violence or abuse against retail sector workers occurred. Although the figure represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year, it remains the second highest ever recorded.

The economic impact is considerable. The Heart of England Co-op group, with 38 stores, reported a loss of £250,000 in chocolate during 2024, making it the most stolen product that year. In 2025, it was only surpassed by alcohol. In just one week, an individual can cause losses of thousands of pounds in the same establishment.

Some merchants explain that a full shelf of chocolate can have an approximate value of 500 pounds, and that thieves can take between 200 and 250 pounds of product in a backpack in a matter of minutes.

In light of this situation, establishments have had to invest in protective measures: more sophisticated CCTV systems, artificial intelligence technology to identify recurring suspects, reduction of exposed stock, and elimination of visible promotions in easily accessible areas. In some cases, the shelves are only partially filled to limit the potential economic impact.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council assured that it is working together with retailers and security experts to strengthen the response to retail crime. The strategy includes better coordination, more efficient use of technology, and more agile reporting systems.

However, the commercial sector is calling for a more forceful response. The ACS calls for harsher sentences for repeat offenders and specific actions against networks that distribute stolen products, as the problem is not limited to isolated theft, but is part of a parallel economy that can finance other criminal activities.

The case of chocolate is symptomatic of a broader problem: the increase of organised theft in retail. Products that previously did not require special protection are now treated as high-risk goods. This evolution reflects changes in criminal behaviour but also in socioeconomic conditions and in the ability to resell through informal or digital channels.

For the security sector, this phenomenon poses several challenges:

  • Adapting protection systems for mass consumer products.
  • Balancing customer experience and anti-theft measures.
  • Incorporating predictive technology and pattern analysis.
  • Improving collaboration between businesses and security forces.

Ultimately, the fact that a simple chocolate bar must be kept under lock and key is a clear indicator of the evolution of risk in the current business environment. The response cannot be limited to physical measures; it requires a comprehensive strategy that combines prevention, intelligence, and effective judicial action.

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Geopolitics of urban spaces in the everyday environment of Berlin

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The article by Katharina Ciax and Simon Runkel analyses how security and counter-terrorism policies transform not only the physical configuration of urban spaces but also their emotional and perceptual dimensions. The case study is Breitscheidplatz square in Berlin, the scene of the vehicle attack during the Christmas market in 2016.

The authors start from a key idea: security is not only implemented with infrastructure and police presence, but also produces an affective atmosphere that modifies the way people experience public space. This connects with the field of everyday urban geopolitics, which studies how the grand discourses on global security take shape in specific spaces such as streets and squares.

Before the attack, Breitscheidplatz was a space characterised by a constant flow of people, surrounded by commercial axes and close to the Bahnhof Zoostation. Although control and surveillance practices had existed since the 1990s – especially linked to the criminalisation of certain groups – the 2016 attack marked a turning point.

After the attack, the square underwent a profound transformation with the installation of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures: concrete blocks, bollards, reinforced street furniture, and a more visible police presence, including a permanent mobile police station. This set of measures transformed the square into a space equipped with a high level of safety, practically unique in Berlin in its level of fortification.

The authors argue that this accumulation of measures not only responds to a functional need for protection but also generates an oversaturation of excessive security that alters the very essence of public space.

One of the central concepts of the article is that of affective atmosphere. Security is not perceived solely through rules or material devices, but through sensations: hostility, constant surveillance, tension, or exclusion. Crossing multiple physical barriers before reaching the square can create a sense of latent threat even though the aim is precisely to reduce risk.

Through sensory ethnographies and participant observation (between 2021 and 2022), the researchers collected testimonies and impressions from users, traders, and neighbours. What emerges is a paradox: the measures aimed at increasing security can create an atmosphere that reinforces the perception of danger.

This transformation particularly affects racialised or marginalised groups. According to the authors, excessive security is not neutral: it reinforces pre-existing discriminatory practices and restricts the actual accessibility of public space. The square ceases to be an open space where people are free to move around and becomes a space of selective control.

The article places this case within a broader framework: the excessive security of European cities following waves of terrorist attacks. This process has driven the militarisation of urban space, the normalisation of defensive infrastructures, and the symbolic construction of internal threats.

In Breitscheidplatz, the combination of luxury consumption, intensive care, and defensive architecture contributes to redefining the identity of the space. The square is not only a place of remembrance of the attack, but also a permanent stage for proactive prevention.

This dynamic shows how global geopolitics (terrorism, European security, discourses on the threat) translates into very concrete decisions regarding urban design, furniture, and police presence. Public space thus becomes a laboratory for the governance of fear.

The main contribution of the article is to demonstrate that security policies have an inseparable material, social, and emotional dimension. Excessive security not only reorganises space but also transforms the way people live and feel.

For the field of urban security, this involves various reflections:

  • Physical protection measures generate symbolic and psychological impacts.
  • A lot of security can reinforce the perception of risk.
  • Security can become a mechanism of social exclusion.
  • Public space can lose its function of openness and coexistence if it becomes permanent defence infrastructure.

Ultimately, the Breitscheidplatzcase shows how contemporary anti-terrorism not only protects but also redefines the urban experience. Security ceases to be an invisible element and becomes a tangible, material, and atmospheric presence that shapes daily life.

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How organised crime moves in and ruins communities in France

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 In an article in The Conversation, Felia Allum, a professor of comparative organised crime at the University of Bath, analyses the rise in drug-related murders in France and argues that the country is at a “turning point” in its relationship with organised crime. The case that symbolises this turn is the murder of Mehdi Kessaci, brother of an anti-drug activist in Marseille, a crime interpreted as an intimidating message in the context of an escalation of violence. Between 2023 and 2024, 73 people died in Marseille in incidents related to the drug trade, many of them young individuals recruited online with the promise of quick money. Similar episodes have also occurred in Grenoble, Paris, Nîmes, Montpellier, Nice, and Lyon.

Marseille has become the symbolic epicentre of this crisis. The group that currently dominates part of the drug market in France calls itself Mafia DZ, but Allum stresses that it is not a classic mafia like the Italian ones. It does not conform to the traditional hierarchical structure or the historical model of territorial control and institutional infiltration characteristic of certain Italian organisations. This forces us to avoid simplifications and labels such as “narcostate” or “narcoterrorism,” which may attract media attention but do not always help to understand the phenomenon.

According to the author, organised crime does not appear out of nowhere nor is it imposed solely by force. It takes root when it finds empty spaces that the State and society are not adequately occupying. Historically, mafia structures and cartels have consolidated during periods of profound transformation of the state, as occurred in Italy during the 19th-century unification or in the United States during full industrialisation. In these contexts of accelerated change, institutions were still weak or unstable, and non-state actors filled the power vacuums.

However, in the current French case, it is not a state under construction, but rather a consolidated state immersed in a liberal economic model where social, educational, and economic inequalities have deepened. Allum, drawing inspiration from the political scientist Susan Strange, points out that the authority of the State has eroded in favour of the markets and that the welfare model has become increasingly bureaucratised and privatised. When the social fabric weakens and real opportunities are scarce, criminal networks offer a seemingly attractive alternative: immediate income, identity, respect, and a sense of belonging.

In neighbourhoods with high rates of youth unemployment and school failure, drug trafficking can become a fast track to success, although it is extremely dangerous. Organisations impose their own rules on vendors and recruits, generate parallel economies, and, in some cases, obtain a certain level of social tolerance based on fear or economic dependence. Organised crime does not only operate against the community; it often integrates and establishes complex links.

Faced with this situation, President Emmanuel Macron ‘s government has proposed a set of measures aimed at strengthening the criminal and police response. Among them, the creation of a new national anti-organised crime directorate (PNACO) stands out, with specialised prosecutors to pursue drug trafficking networks at the French and European levels. Witness protection programs are also provided for, along with stricter prison conditions for network leaders and an expansion of asset seizure mechanisms. France looks to the Italian model of the 1990s as a legislative reference.

In addition, the government wants to increase penalties for consumers, with higher fines and possible restrictions such as taking away people’s driving licences or jobs. This strategy is based on the idea that it is necessary to act across the entire chain, from the chiefs to the final demand.

However, Allum warns that reactive and punitive measures alone do not address the structural causes of the problem. Criminal networks have a great capacity for adaptation: when one structure is dismantled, another can emerge, often with operations coordinated from abroad. Without an intervention that addresses inequalities, the lack of opportunities, and the disconnection between institutions and citizens, the phenomenon tends to reproduce itself.

The fight against drug trafficking is not just a matter of police reinforcement or criminal reform. It is also a matter of social cohesion, comprehensive public policies, and rebuilding the bond between the State and the most vulnerable neighbourhoods. Sustainable security is not built solely on increased repression, but on prevention, social investment, and real alternatives for young people who today see the drug market as the only possible horizon.

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How to promote balanced and effective public safety approaches in Latin America

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In the discussions on public safety in Latin America, a false dilemma is often posed: either a “hardline” approach against crime or addressing the structural causes of violence. This dichotomy simplifies a much more complex reality. Truly effective policies do not choose between repression or prevention, but rather combine the ability to act urgently with sustainable strategies that reinforce justice, institutional legitimacy, and social cohesion.

In contexts of chronic insecurity, the demand for immediate results is understandable. When families live with daily fear, quick and visible responses generate tangible relief. The recent experience ofEl Salvador, with the declaration of a state of emergency and the implementation of massive incarceration measures, has been presented as a success story due to the drastic reduction of homicides and other crimes. This approach has increased citizen support for the government and has strengthened the perception of control. However, it has also opened a deep debate about the costs in terms of process, fundamental rights, and democratic quality.

The “tough on crime” approach is politically attractive for three main reasons. Firstly, it provides immediate results in contexts marked by electoral urgency and media pressure. Secondly, it is easy to communicate: incarcerations, police deployments, and large-scale operations are visible actions that are simple to explain. Thirdly, it concentrates power in the State and reduces spaces for accountability. In contrast, preventive strategies require inter-institutional coordination, time, and a more sophisticated narrative.

Now, social prevention alone is also not enough, especially in contexts with a high presence of organised crime. International research shows that sustained reduction of violence requires the effective integration of the criminal justice system with social services, community programs, and targeted interventions on risk factors. The key is not to weaken the State, but to make it more precise, legitimate, and strategic.

Scientific evidence points to four fundamental principles for a balanced security policy.

1. Focusing on high-risk individuals, places, and behaviours.
Violence is not distributed evenly: it is concentrated in small groups and specific territories. Evidence-based interventions—such as focused deterrence strategies applied in cities like Boston or Oakland—have demonstrated significant reductions in gun violence. In Chicago, programmes that combined cognitive behavioural therapy with youth engagement significantly reduced arrests for violent crimes among high-risk youth. These experiences show that acting with precision is more effective than applying indiscriminate measures.

2. Strengthening community capacity to prevent conflicts.
Local organisations, mediators, mentors, and civic justice programmes are key players in prevention. Initiatives such as the District Justice System of Bogotá or civic justice models implemented in various cities in Mexico have improved access to conflict resolution and the perception of institutional legitimacy. When communities have a solid social infrastructure, violence tends to decrease steadily.

3. Building legitimacy through fairness and procedural justice.
People comply with the law not only out of fear of punishment, but because they perceive the authorities as fair and respectful. Police training experiences in procedural justice in Mexico City have increased citizen satisfaction and reduced complaints. Institutional legitimacy is a strategic asset: it enhances cooperation, facilitates crime investigation, and strengthens social cohesion.

4. Strategic spatial interventions.
Improving the physical environment—lighting, restoration of degraded spaces, creation of green spaces—can reduce violence, especially in high-risk neighbourhoods. These actions are visible, relatively inexpensive, and reinforce the perception of institutional presence without resorting to direct confrontation.

Beyond the content of the policies, communication is decisive. Local leaders must avoid the polarised framework of “tolerance versus repression” and present security as a condition for economic development, health, education, and democratic quality. The central message should be that when violence is organised, the response must also be organised: coordination among police, justice, social services, and the community.

This implies prioritising accuracy over harshness, combining accountability with reintegration opportunities, and giving a voice to trusted messengers—mayors, police leaders, community leaders, or victims—who connect with the real concerns of the citizenry.

Ultimately, overcoming the false dilemma between a hardline approach and prevention is essential for moving towards more effective, fair, and sustainable security models. Balanced strategies do not renounce the authority of the State, but rather reinforce it through legitimacy, evidence, and collaboration. Security is not just the absence of crime; it is the foundation upon which prosperity and democratic trust are built.

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36 laboratories dismantled in an operation against a synthetic drug network

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During the month of February 2026, Europol supported the police authorities of Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova in a joint operation against an international criminal network involved in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, primarily synthetic cathinones such as alpha-PVP.

During the action day, the Ukrainian National Police and the Polish Police Central Bureau of Investigation carried out coordinated checks at approximately 510 locations. Law enforcement officers dismantled 36 illicit production sites and 74 storage facilities for drugs that are ready for distribution. A total of 129 people were investigated and 103 people were arrested.

The investigated network is suspected of operating in several countries, such as Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. The group is presumably led by a Ukrainian organiser who establishes and equips illegal laboratories with the necessary hardware and chemical substances. Investigators believe that this individual maintains extensive connections with Polish criminal networks, facilitating the supply of precursors, essential chemicals, and equipment through legal business structures.

The operation included house searches and the inspection of other premises and vehicles. In total, the investigation involved the following confiscations:

  • 20,610 litres of precursors
  • 229.4 kilograms of alpha-PVP
  • 156.3 kilograms of amphetamine
  • 46.6 kilograms and 284 litres of phenyl-2-nitropropene
  • 2 kilograms of metallic sodium
  • 67.6 kilograms and 350 litres of mephedrone
  • 7 kilograms of methamphetamine
  • 47 kilograms of cannabis
  • 5,115 MDMA tablets
  • 2,000 ecstasy pills
  • 1.6 million UAH (around €31,000), $167,000 (around €141,000), and €39,000 in cash
  • virtual assets worth $45,000 (around €38,000)
  • 41 vehicles

The criminal network employed various tactics to facilitate the operation of its illicit activities. It misused legal business structures operated by Polish and Lithuanian individuals with prior involvement in the illicit production of synthetic drugs. This allowed them to import chemicals, including precursors that are not yet subject to control, and facilitate the activities of several illegal laboratories detected in various countries. By operating in multiple member states and exploiting legal loopholes, the network increased the risk of exposure and made it difficult for law enforcement authorities to disrupt their activities.

Europol’s contribution to the operation included operational and analytical support, focusing on providing real-time data and facilitating the exchange of information during the days of action. This collaborative effort aimed to disrupt the activities of the network and strengthen the fight against the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs in Europe.

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