Latin American organised crime ‘may operate in 16 European countries’
Summary
Latin American organized crime groups are now active in at least 16 European countries, working closely with local mafia groups. These criminal networks are involved in increased cocaine trafficking and have expanded their presence beyond traditional entry points into Europe.Key Facts
- Criminal groups from countries like Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and the US operate in Europe.
- Cocaine seizures in Europe increased by 471% between 2014 and 2024.
- Latin American gangs such as the Sinaloa cartel, Jalisco New Generation cartel, PCC, and others are confirmed to have European operations.
- Their activity is prominent in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, with presence also in Germany, Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and possibly more.
- Some networks operate labs producing cocaine derivatives and methamphetamine in European countries including France, Poland, and Germany.
- Brazilian intelligence data suggests the PCC operates in 16 European countries, including the UK, Ireland, Sweden, and Turkey.
- Europol and Interpol have recognized the increasing influence and mobile operations of Latin American criminal groups in Europe.
- The rise in these groups marks a new level beyond their previously known footholds in Europe since the 1980s.
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