In 2021, a large number of cases addressed by the Agency made use of new access to encrypted evidence, thanks to the previous, successful EncroChat and SKY ECC operations. One such case, which took place in May 2021, involved the takedown of an international network of drug traffickers by the French and Dutch authorities, with the support of Eurojust and Europol. The suspects were identified as a result of the evidence obtained from a previous French and Dutch-led investigation against the EncroChat network.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, OCGs have adapted quickly to an online environment by using secured communication channels, crypto-phones, cryptocurrencies and darknet markets. In October 2021, police forces across the world arrested 150 alleged suspects involved in buying or selling illicit goods on the dark web as part of a coordinated international operation involving nine countries. More than EUR 26.7 million (USD 31 million) in cash and virtual currencies were seized in the operation, as well as 234 kg of drugs and 45 firearms. Eurojust, together with Europol, supported the national authorities in the coordination of this large-scale cross-border case.

Considering most drugs’ provenance and the international business model of organised crime groups, it is unsurprising that the number of Eurojust’s drug trafficking cases involving third countries continues to rise each year. An analysis of Eurojust’s casework in this field shows that continuous and reinforced cooperation with third countries through Eurojust’s Liaison Prosecutors, Contact Points and other means is highly beneficial in many drug trafficking cases, bringing clear added value for national investigations. In July 2021, Eurojust coordinated the dismantling of a large-scale Serbian marijuana trafficking network operating from Spain. The Spanish and Serbian authorities achieved this through a JIT, set up between the two countries for the first time by Eurojust, which led to an action day against the organised crime group. Across both countries, a total of 43 members of a Serbian OCG were arrested for their involvement in the production and distribution of marijuana and hashish, mainly destined for sale in Germany.