The scale and scope of this operation were designed to be as wide as possible. Checks and searches encompassed both the physical and the online world, including the clear web, the dark web, and social media platforms. Notably, these ‘cyber patrols’ involved not only law enforcement authorities but also prosecutors from different jurisdictions, adding significant value to their operational effectiveness.In total, results of the JAD SEE 2024, which was held under the motto “Uniting Forces Against Organised Crime”, include:796 individuals arrested316 new investigations initiated442 weapons seized31 109 officers on duty performed 655 914 checks on entities, which includes 516 153 persons, 152 284 vehicles, 4 985 postal packages and 1 181 premisesEU security begins outside its bordersFrom the proactive participation of partners in the Western Balkan region and of countries part of the Eastern Partnership such as Moldova and Ukraine, to the support of Türkiye, the key to this operation’s success was cross-border collaboration. Working side by side, EU and non-EU agencies and projects have provided their expertise, enabling the JAD SEE 2024 to present a truly united front against organised crime.Europol supported this joint undertaking by deploying experts with mobile offices who could cross-check new information against the agency’s databases. The partner countries and agencies similarly deployed specific expertise, with special detection units, canine units, experts in the detection of concealment methods, and document fraud experts supporting the vast physical and virtual operation.The EU4FAST project supported the setup of the coordination centre and the participation of the Western Balkan countries, Moldova, Ukraine, Türkiye and selected EU Member States, as well as INTERPOL, during the operational phaseEMPACT as platform for collaborationThe JAD SEE 2024 is informed and driven by the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), the EU’s security initiative for combating serious and organised crime globally. The success of this operation is rooted in intelligence-driven actions and a unified, collaborative approach, showcasing the added value of collective efforts in addressing complex and serious international crime.Participating EU Member statesAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, SwedenParticipating third-party countriesAlbania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, UkraineParticipating agencies and projectsEU Commission, CEPOL, Europol, Eurojust, Frontex, EU Strategy for the Danube Region, EU4FAST, INTERPOL, SELEC, UNDP SEESAC, UNODC *This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
796 arrests in massive EU action against organised crime