Disrupting HRCN in the spotlight at the CEPOL conference in Ostia

Cross-border cooperation, digitalisation, and emerging technologies are crucial factors in tackling the world of high-risk criminal networks (HRCN) and are on the agenda of the CEPOL Research and Science Conference. This year’s event, hosted by the Guardia di Finanza-Economic Financial Police School in Ostia, Italy, brings together three hundred experts who share their expertise in disrupting organised crime and strengthening law enforcement capacity.

“Criminal networks are leveraging new technologies, digital platforms, and geopolitical instability to expand their reach and deepen their impact. These networks are increasingly intertwined with hybrid threats, engaging in a broad range of criminal activities. At CEPOL, we address all these threats through targeted training activities, continuously refining our approach to align with emerging trends and new EMPACT priorities,” 

said Montserrat Marín López in her opening speech. CEPOL Executive Director added that 

“collaboration between law enforcement, judicial authorities, academia, victim support organisations, media, and the private sector is pivotal in preventing criminal infiltration into our societies and economies. High-risk criminal networks operate as profit-driven enterprises, and reducing their financial incentives is key to dismantling their operations. Our collective success will be measured by our ability to disrupt these financial flows.”

The Commander of the Guardia di Finanza-Economic Financial Police School stated that it is an honour and a pleasure to be hosting the Conference. Major General Giancarlo Trotta, aware of the importance of a collective response to problems, highlighted the increasingly international dimension of the School, as it fosters international cooperation with foreign partners, both European and non-European, by providing specialised training programs.

“To tackle high-risk criminal networks, we need to equip our law enforcement authorities with adequate capabilities. This includes access to data, but also better technology and tools, and targeted training activities,” said European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration. “The Internal Security Strategy I will present next week will address this,” Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced.

"The CEPOL Research and Science Conference serves as a vital platform for bridging the gap between academic research and frontline law enforcement. In an era of evolving security challenges, training and evidence-based policing are more crucial than ever. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can equip law enforcement professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to keep Europe safe. I am honoured to participate in this important dialogue in the Economic and Financial Police School of the Italian Guardia di Finanza and support CEPOL’s commitment to excellence in training and security," said Javier Zarzalejos, the Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament.

CEPOL’s 2024/2025 Research & Science Conference, focusing on “Tackling the world of High-Risk Criminal Networks,” takes place on 25-27 March 2025. Over three days, 330 participants from 54 countries examine the rapid digitalisation of criminal networks and the emergence of hybrid threats, exchange practical strategies and innovative investigative techniques to counter evolving threats, and discuss the importance of strengthening cross-border and inter-agency collaboration to ensure a coordinated response.

CEPOL Research and Science Conference has been a key forum for collaboration and knowledge exchange since 2003. Papers discussed during the event are published in a special Conference edition of the CEPOL Research Bulletin so that ideas and knowledge can be shared within the law enforcement community, fostering, and facilitating broader discussions and becoming a source of inspiration for the future.

All the conference materials can be accessed on our website: CEPOL Research and Science Conferences | CEPOL