Top Dutch Detective Andy Kraag Appointed to Lead Europol's Fight Against Organized Crime

Andy Kraag, a leading Dutch detective, has been appointed as the new Head of Serious & Organized Crime at Europol, where he will spearhead the European fight against increasingly powerful international drug gangs and money launderers. Kraag, who has served as the Head of Security & Intelligence in the Netherlands, will officially begin his new role at Europol on October 1.

Kraag is widely recognized for his role in several high-profile investigations. Notably, he was part of the international team that last year uncovered “strong indications” that Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the supply of anti-aircraft missiles to separatists who shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in 2014, resulting in the tragic loss of 298 lives.

Additionally, Kraag played a critical role in the operation that led to the capture of Ridouan Taghi, Europe’s Most Wanted criminal. After a meticulous investigation, Taghi was apprehended in Dubai in 2019, leading to a lengthy extradition battle. Taghi was eventually sentenced in February of this year in a highly secure trial in the Netherlands. His trial became infamous not just for the criminal charges but for the murders of three key witnesses, including a prominent Dutch investigative journalist.

Kraag’s extensive experience in combating local and international drug trafficking networks, particularly those led by South American, Eastern European, and North African criminals, is seen as a significant asset. The European Union is increasingly alarmed by the growing influence of organized crime on both business and politics. The so-called “cocaine super-highway,” which runs from the Benelux ports of Antwerp in Belgium to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, has become a major conduit for illicit drugs, bringing with it a wave of mafia-style crime and corruption.

The dominance of these criminal gangs is perceived as a direct threat to democracy in both the Netherlands and Belgium, with public officials, including mayors and justice ministers, requiring round-the-clock police protection due to gangland threats. Legitimate businesses are also being undermined by these criminal enterprises, and corruption within public institutions is becoming increasingly prevalent as gang members bribe public servants and law enforcement officers with large sums of money.

Commenting on his new role at Europol, Kraag expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. “I have enjoyed contributing to the development of Guard & Security and the LX (Intelligence) Unit. But it’s no secret that my heart lies in fighting international organized crime. And I’m going to follow my heart,” he said. “From October 1, I will start working as Head of Serious and Organized Crime at Europol. There I can (again) focus on combating international drug crime, excessive violence, corruption, arms trafficking, human trafficking, environmental crime, and organized gangs. And that’s really my thing,” he added.

The rise of organized crime is not limited to the Benelux countries. In Sweden, which once prided itself on law and order, the country now has the highest gun-homicide rate in the European Union. Police forces in Sweden have been overwhelmed by a surge in violent gang-related incidents, prompting the government to call in the army to assist with law enforcement. Similarly, Denmark has reintroduced border checks due to reports of teenage assassins being hired in Sweden to carry out hits, and in the former hippy commune of Christiania, a once-thriving open-air cannabis market has been shut down due to gang violence.

The Benelux ports, particularly Antwerp and Rotterdam, remain a focal point for cocaine trafficking from South America. The security situation has become so dire that authorities in Belgium have increased protection around incinerators used to destroy seized drugs, amid fears that gangs might attempt to reclaim their contraband. The head of Belgian customs has reported that officers are being approached and offered substantial bribes to turn a blind eye or provide information to criminal organizations.

The severity of the threat posed by these criminal gangs was underscored by the recent sentencing of Ridouan Taghi, whose trial took place under extraordinary security measures, including in a fortified warehouse in Amsterdam known as “the Bunker.” The trial judges’ identities were concealed for their protection, highlighting the fear that Taghi instilled even from behind bars.

Reflecting on the efforts to capture Taghi, Kraag, who was then the head of criminal investigations, noted the extraordinary dedication of his team. “Specialists worked on the investigation day and night for over a year,” Kraag said. He described the operation as a “state of the art investigation” that left no stone unturned. “Think of classic street work, but also financial research and high-quality investigation,” he added. Kraag emphasized that criminals like Taghi, who believe their wealth makes them untouchable, will be dismantled “step by step.”

Kraag’s appointment comes at a time when the European Union is intensifying its fight against organized crime, as indicated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent pledge to double Europol's resources in her State of the Union address. Despite his new role, Kraag expressed a desire to eventually return to the Dutch National Police. Until then, he is committed to enhancing security across Europe from his post at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague.

“I will continue to work at Europol for security in Europe, the EU, and the Netherlands,” Kraag stated. He also expressed his gratitude to his colleagues in the Dutch police, saying, “I’m going to miss the fighters I’ve worked with over the past 10 years and want to thank them for their trust and a great time. Stay safe.”

Dutch Chief Prosecutor Janneke de Smet praised Kraag's appointment, calling it “an asset for Europol, a loss for the Dutch Police.” She added, “In recent years, we have enjoyed working together intensively on complex dossiers. Andy’s decisiveness, clarity, and transparency are qualities that are desperately needed in the fight against international organized crime!”

By fLEXI tEAM