The European Union’s law enforcement agency, Europol, has raised alarms about the growing threat of organized crime fueled by artificial intelligence. In a recent report, Europol highlighted how AI is not only enhancing traditional criminal activities but also intertwining with state-sponsored efforts to destabilize societies across Europe.
This warning was issued during the launch of the EU Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment 2025, a report compiled every four years that gathers insights from police across the 27 EU member states. The findings will influence law enforcement strategies in the coming years.
Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, noted that cybercrime is evolving rapidly, turning into a "digital arms race." She explained that AI-driven attacks are becoming more accurate and damaging, often driven by both profit motives and state interests. The report details various crimes, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering, and online scams, all of which threaten societal stability and the rule of law by generating illegal profits and spreading violence.
One of the most concerning aspects highlighted in the report is the increase in child sexual abuse material online, significantly exacerbated by AI technology. The report mentions that AI complicates the analysis of such material and the identification of offenders. Criminals are also using AI to create realistic fake media, which can deceive victims, impersonate individuals, and facilitate blackmail and identity theft.
The report points to a disturbing trend where state actors are employing criminals to carry out cyberattacks, particularly against critical infrastructure. It cites incidents such as attacks allegedly originating from Russia and its allies. These attacks can mask their true intentions, making it harder to attribute them to state-sponsored efforts.
Poland’s Interior Ministry recently experienced a serious cyberattack on a hospital, which had to halt operations due to the incident. This attack, as noted by Polish officials, was enhanced by AI technology.
The report emphasizes that AI and other technologies are making criminal operations more efficient, increasing their speed, reach, and sophistication. As the European Commission prepares to introduce a new internal security policy, there is a pressing need for EU nations to address these threats urgently. Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, stated that embedding security into all aspects of governance is essential. He also mentioned plans to double Europol’s staff in the coming years to better combat these rising threats.