Categoria: english

Operation Alice: a global operation against cybercrime and child abuse on the dark web

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

In March 2026, an international operation coordinated by German authorities with the support of Europol culminated in one of the largest actions against cybercrime and child abuse networks on the dark web. Known as Operation Alice, this initiative brought together law enforcement from 23 countries with the aim of dismantling a massive infrastructure of fraudulent sites linked to illegal content and criminal services.

The investigation, initiated in 2021, revealed that a single operator controlled more than 373,000 «.onion» domains, that is, sites accessible through the Tor network designed to conceal the identity and location of both servers and users. This figure places the case as one of the largest ever detected in this area.

The portals simulated offering child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and other cybercrime services, such as the sale of credit card data or illegal access to computer systems. However, it was primarily a fraudulent operation: customers paid—usually in Bitcoin—but did not receive any content.

The announced «packages» ranged from 17 to 215 euros and promised large volumes of data. This model combined two criminal dimensions: the exploitation of extremely serious content and a massive global scam.

Between 9 and 19 March 2026, the authorities achieved significant results:

  • Identification of the main operator of the network
  • Identification of 440 clients worldwide
  • Closure of more than 373,000 sites on the dark web
  • Confiscation of 105 servers
  • Seizure of electronic devices and digital data

According to the authorities, the responsible party is a 35-year-old male residing in China, who would have generated more than 345,000 euros in profits from about 10,000 clients. During the period of activity, he managed up to 287 servers simultaneously, many of which were located in Germany.

One of the most relevant aspects of the operation is that not only has the supply been targeted, but also the demand. The 440 individuals identified as clients are considered suspicious, despite not having received the advertised material.

From a legal and security standpoint, the mere attempt to acquire such content constitutes a serious crime in many jurisdictions. Additionally, security forces consider these individuals as high-risk targets, as they may be involved in other criminal activities or pose a potential threat.

Throughout the investigation, the authorities acted immediately in those cases where minors in risk situations could be identified. This dimension is key: beyond the repression of crime, whose primary objective is the protection of victims.

For example, in 2023, action was taken in the case of an individual in Germany who had attempted to acquire illegal material, which led to his subsequent conviction. These types of actions demonstrate how the obtained intelligence can have a direct impact on abuse prevention.

Europol played a key role in coordinating the operation, facilitating the exchange of information between countries and providing advanced analytical capabilities. It also contributed decisively to the tracking of cryptocurrency transactions, a key element for identifying both the operator and the users. This case demonstrates that, despite the use of anonymization technologies such as Tor or payments in Bitcoin, law enforcement can reconstruct criminal activity through digital forensic analysis and international cooperation.

Operation Alice sends a strong message: anonymity on the internet is not absolute, and criminal infrastructures, no matter how sophisticated, can be dismantled. The combination of digital investigation techniques, financial tracking, and international collaboration has consolidated as an effective tool against global cybercrime.

For the security sector, this case highlights several key lessons: the importance of shared intelligence, the need to address both supply and demand, and the value of technology in combating complex threats.

Ultimately, this is an operation that has not only dismantled a massive network but also strengthens the global capacity to detect, pursue, and prevent serious forms of online criminality.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

Environmental crime as an emerging threat: towards a police response

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

The UK government has announced a significant boost in the fight against waste-related crime, a phenomenon often underestimated but with a growing impact on both public safety and the economy and the environment. The new strategy includes granting police-style powers to agents of the Environment Agency, aiming to improve their intervention capacity, pursue criminal networks, and prevent illegal activities before they become established.

This movement reflects a significant change in the institutional perception of the problem: environmental crime is no longer seen as an administrative or minor infraction but is treated as a form of serious organised crime. The networks involved in illegal dumping, fraudulent waste transport, or illicit landfill management often operate with sophisticated structures, generating high profits and exploiting regulatory gaps and limitations in inspection capacity.

The new legislative proposal aims to expand the powers of environmental officers under legal frameworks such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). In practice, this would allow inspectors to have tools similar to those of the police, including broader investigative capabilities, access to evidence, arrests under certain circumstances, and, in particular, the ability to trace and seize the economic benefits derived from criminal activity.

From a security perspective, this approach is especially relevant because it targets one of the main incentives for this type of crime: economic profit. Waste crime generates approximately £1 billion annually, making it an attractive sector for organised criminal groups. By applying financial mechanisms, such as those provided for in the POCA, the government seeks to dismantle these business models, reducing the profitability of illegal activities.

Another key element of the new strategy is the improvement of institutional coordination. The Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC), which brings together various bodies such as law enforcement and national agencies, has been strengthened with specialists in investigation, intelligence, and financial analysis. This multidisciplinary approach is essential to tackle networks that often operate at a regional or national level, using shell companies and complex money laundering systems.

In addition, the government is exploring new avenues of collaboration with the private sector, especially banks and financial institutions. The objective is to facilitate the exchange of information about suspicious actors, so that these entities can make informed decisions and avoid doing business with companies linked to waste crime. This approach aligns with broader trends in security, where public-private cooperation is key to detecting and disrupting illicit activities.

The measures also have a preventive and community dimension. The increase in illegal discharges and unauthorised waste sites not only causes environmental damage but also directly impacts citizens’ perception of safety. Degraded and poorly managed spaces can contribute to a sense of institutional abandonment, fostering other forms of crime and weakening social cohesion. To combat these problems, the government has launched initiatives for broader community regeneration and improvements to public spaces.

Recent results show that law enforcement is already having effects, with over a hundred judicial proceedings and the closure of more than a thousand illegal waste sites in just over a year. However, authorities recognise that the problem continues to evolve, with increasingly adaptive and technologically sophisticated criminals. For this reason, they consider it necessary to provide the agents with more tools and operational flexibility.

Despite the potential benefits, this expansion of powers also raises relevant questions. The granting of police-like powers to non-police agencies requires clear guarantees regarding supervision, training, and accountability. It is essential to ensure that the use of these powers is proportional, transparent, and respectful of individual rights, avoiding potential abuses or overlaps in competencies.

In conclusion, the new strategy of the UK against waste crime represents a significant evolution in security policies. By recognising this activity as a serious and organised threat, and by empowering environmental agents with enhanced powers, the government is betting on a more robust, coordinated, and results-oriented response. If implemented in a balanced manner, this model can contribute not only to reducing environmental crime but also to strengthening security, public trust, and environmental protection.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

A paradigm shift in security: investing in the causes of female crime

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

The UK government has announced an investment of £31.6 million aimed at reducing recidivism among women in the criminal justice system. Beyond being a mere budget increase, this initiative represents a paradigm shift in the way public security is understood: moving from a model focused on punishment to an approach based on prevention and intervention on the structural causes of crime.

For years, penal systems have responded to crime with punitive measures, especially imprisonment. However, in the case of women, the data show that this strategy often proves ineffective. A very high proportion of women who come into contact with the criminal justice system carry stories of deep vulnerability: more than two-thirds have suffered domestic violence, many have substance addictions, and a significant portion have suffered brain injuries or mental health problems. These circumstances point to a clear reality: in many cases, female crime is the result of trauma, social exclusion, and lack of institutional support.

In this context, the new funding package is committed to strengthening specialised community services that work directly with these women. The aim is to provide comprehensive support in key areas such as drug treatment, access to housing, employment integration, and protection against abusive relationships. This type of intervention not only seeks to improve the lives of affected women but is also presented as an effective security tool: reducing recidivism means fewer crimes and, therefore, fewer victims.

From a public safety perspective, this strategy presents a fundamental advantage: it acts before the problem becomes chronic. Traditional policies often intervene late, when the crime has already occurred and the damage is irreversible. On the contrary, community support programmes aim to disrupt the cycle of crime at early stages, addressing risk factors such as economic exclusion, substance dependence, or lack of a safe environment. This preventive approach is particularly relevant when considering the economic cost of recidivism, estimated at around £18 billion annually for the taxpayer.

Another key element of the reform is the promotion of alternatives in prison. Although custody will still be necessary for the most serious offences, it is argued that it should be the last resort in most cases. In this regard, the report from the Women’s Justice Board highlights that community measures are often more effective in reducing recidivism and facilitating social reintegration. This idea is embodied in the expansion of the so-called Intensive Supervision Courts, which combine judicial oversight with mandatory access to treatment and support programmes.

These courts represent a hybrid model between control and rehabilitation. Participants must appear regularly before a judge who supervises their progress and ensures compliance with the established conditions. At the same time, they receive support to address underlying issues such as addiction or trauma. The results observed in other countries indicate significant reductions in recidivism, with declines of approximately one third in arrests for new crimes compared to traditional prison-based models.

From a security perspective, this approach also helps to strengthen social cohesion. Crime not only affects direct victims but also has a broader impact on communities, generating insecurity and weakening social ties. By helping women break the cycle of crime, these policies not only reduce crime but also contribute to stabilising families and community environments, especially considering that many of these women are mothers.

However, this model also poses challenges. Its effectiveness largely depends on the quality and coordination of the available services, as well as sustained funding over time. In addition, it requires a cultural shift within the criminal justice system, which must adopt a more rehabilitation-oriented perspective than one focused on punishment. Without these elements, there is a risk that the initiatives will be limited or fail to achieve the expected results.

In conclusion, the investment announced by the UK government reflects a significant evolution in security policies. Instead of focusing exclusively on crime repression, it advocates for intervening in its root causes, especially in a vulnerable group such as women. If implemented correctly, this approach can offer a dual benefit: improving the lives of affected individuals and building safer and more resilient societies.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

Trends in crime in the U.S. in 2024: a downward trend

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

The year 2024 has confirmed a positive trend in terms of safety in the United States, with a widespread decrease in both violent crimes and property crimes. According to official data based on incidents recorded by law enforcement, crime shows a significant decrease compared to 2023, consolidating an improvement that affects nearly all analysed categories.

As for violent crimes—which include homicides, rapes, robberies with violence, and aggravated assaults—the overall rate has been 370.8 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, representing a reduction of 6% compared to the previous year. This decrease is not uniform, but it is widespread: all types of violent crimes have experienced a decline.

Notably, the reduction in homicides stands out, which has decreased by 16%, resulting in a rate of 5.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. This decline is particularly relevant, as it concerns the crime with the greatest social and media impact. A decrease is also observed in robberies (−9%), rapes (−6%), and aggravated assaults (−5%), although the latter remains the most common type of violent crime.

In parallel, property crimes—which includeburglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts—have also experienced a notable reduction. The overall rate has decreased by 9%, from 2,019.7 to 1,835.1 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants. Among these, the most notable decrease corresponds to vehicle theft, with a drop of 19%, followed by thefts and burglaries, which also show a downward trend.

These data not only reflect a reduction in the number of crimes but also in victimisation, that is, in the number of affected persons. The violent crime victimisation rate has decreased to 376.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, while property crime victimisation has fallen by 12%. This indicates that the improvement is not only statistical but also has a real impact on the safety perceived by the population.

Despite this positive trend, the territorial analysis reveals significant differences between states. Some, like New Mexico, have rates significantly higher than the national average for both violent crimes and property crimes. Instead, other states like Maine or Idaho register considerably lower levels. In total, 14 states exceed the national average in violent crimes and 16 in property crimes, highlighting the persistence of regional inequalities in terms of security.

Regarding the characteristics of the victims, the data show a decrease in victimisation among various demographic groups, including white, black, and Asian individuals. However, no statistically significant changes have been detected in other groups, such as Hispanic people or Native American populations, which points to the need to continue developing more inclusive and specific security policies.

Overall, the results for 2024 suggest a favourable evolution of crime in the United States, with consistent declines in almost all major indicators. However, the persistence of territorial and demographic differences indicates that there are still significant challenges to be addressed. From a security perspective, these data reinforce the importance of maintaining and adapting prevention and response strategies, placing special emphasis on the most vulnerable areas and groups.

Ultimately, 2024 can be considered a year of improvement in terms of public safety, but also a reminder that the fight against crime requires constant vigilance and detailed analysis to ensure that progress is sustainable and equitable.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

The state of public security in Germany

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

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.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

New legal advice service for rape victims in the United Kingdom

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

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.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

Smart police stations in Ethiopia: digitalisation of public safety

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

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.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

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

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

A cocaine trafficking network has been dismantled through its financial trail

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

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.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français

Chocolate under lock and key

Notes de seguretatDeixa un comentari

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.

_____

Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français