12 members of an Irish high-risk criminal network arrested

Criminals haunted by their chatsThis high-risk criminal network coordinated the drug trade using these sophisticated communication channels, relying on both encryption and multi-platform distribution. The sophistication of their communications was in stark contrast to the simplicity of their modus operandi; it consisted of smuggling cocaine and marijuana across the continent in vehicles equipped with custom-made secret compartments and cloned number plates.Europol’s supportEuropol has provided support for this investigation since November 2023, with experts from several crime fields contributing to its success. The information gathered during the Ghost takedown not only provided evidence of individual drug shipments but, more importantly, helped investigators piece together the network’s organisational structure.On the action day, Europol deployed two experts with mobile offices to Spain and Ireland to provide immediate support in analysing and securing evidence. The investigation and the action day were supported by the @ON Network, funded by the EU (Project ISF4@ON), which facilitated in-person meetings and the deployment of Irish and Spanish officers during the action days.See footage from the action day here: