New European Judicial Network Established to Combat Organized Crime

A new European network of prosecutors has been launched with the aim of dismantling international criminal networks. The European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN) was established by Eurojust, the EU law enforcement agency, to enhance judicial cooperation across borders.

The French organization Parquet de Paris announced that the EJOCN will devote the next two years to combatting drug trafficking, specifically focusing on the trafficking of cocaine from Latin America to Europe’s 1,200 ports. The group stated that this will be their primary area of focus.

The inaugural meeting of the EJOCN, held on September 25 and 26, outlined its objectives and operational structure. According to Eurojust, the network will help prosecutors address “recurring legal challenges and identify new, practical opportunities to cooperate.” Eurojust emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, noting that “76% of criminal groups in the EU are active in two to seven countries.”

“Dismantling these groups requires a transnational approach that is fast and flexible and that can adapt to an ever-changing criminal landscape,” Eurojust said. The new network's priority is to combat organized drug-related crime, particularly in European ports and other key logistical hubs.

Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, said the EJOCN will “strengthen coordination among specialist prosecutors and judges throughout the EU,” adding that “through closer collaboration and by aligning judicial strategies across Member States, we send a clear message. Organized crime knows no borders, but neither does our resolve to investigate and prosecute.”

Parquet de Paris echoed these sentiments, describing the EJOCN as a platform for “coordination and information sharing.” It also noted that the group could recommend changes to the European Commission to help harmonize laws across the various EU member states, a move that could further streamline efforts to combat organized crime across Europe.

With the rise in transnational criminal activity, the EJOCN is seen as a critical tool in bringing together legal experts and law enforcement agencies to develop a cohesive and effective strategy for tackling organized crime.

By fLEXI tEAM