Western Balkans tackle High-Risk Criminal Networks through advanced training in The Hague

High-Risk Criminal Networks (HRCN) pose a serious threat to EU and regional security. Identified as a top priority under the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) and highlighted by Europol’s EU SOCTA 2025 as one of the most pressing crime phenomena in Europe, these networks use corruption, violence, and complex financial schemes to undermine the rule of law. In the Western Balkans, HRCN have been ranked among the most urgent training needs according to the 2022 Regional Operational Training Needs Analysis (OTNA).

From 16 to 20 June 2025, CEPOL conducted the in-person phase of the HRCN training cycle in The Hague, the Netherlands, as part of the WB PaCT project. The training brought together experienced law enforcement professionals from across the region, all actively involved in tackling HRCN. They explored a wide range of topics including intelligence and analysis methods, the profiling of criminal groups and individuals, and the nexus between HRCN and terrorist organisations, among others. Sessions also covered good practices for international judicial cooperation and cross-border investigations.

“The knowledge and experience shared by guest speakers gives me the opportunity to cascade EU best practices at the national level, supporting Montenegrin law enforcement in the fight against HRCN,” said Luka Medenica, Acting Head of the NCB Interpol in Podgorica and alternate National EMPACT Coordinator for Montenegro.

The training benefited from the insights of experts from Italy, Belgium, CEPOL, Europol, Eurojust, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Judicial Network (EJN), the Secretariat of the EU Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN), the European Network on the Administrative Approach (ENAA), and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC).

“HRCN exploit globalisation to their advantage, posing an unprecedented threat to the security of the EU. Investing in continuous law enforcement training and involving key partners is essential to build a common understanding of our vulnerabilities and enhance operational effectiveness,” said Luigi Mancuso, EMPACT HRCN Driver, Criminal Police Central Directorate – International Police Cooperation Service, Italy.

This initiative reflects CEPOL’s commitment to supporting national and regional efforts to counter serious and organised crime through targeted training. It directly addresses the high-priority training needs identified by Western Balkans partners and fosters a stronger, more coordinated response to transnational criminal threats.