EUROPOL Latest News & Warnings – Info
'Black Axe' criminal organisation, the Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), new tools, new cybercrime tactics, 2026 IOCTA report.
Press release 1:
Europol support Swiss authorities in a significant operation against the 'Black Axe' criminal organisation, resulting in 10 arrests.
This international effort, conducted in collaboration with German law enforcement, targeted leaders and members of the Nigerian criminal network engaged in online fraud and money laundering.
On 28 April 2026, house searches were carried out in several Swiss cantons, leading to the arrest of the 'Black Axe' "Regional Head" for the Southern European region and 9 further persons. The suspects are accused of numerous crimes, including romance scams, cyber fraud, and money laundering, causing millions of Swiss francs in damages.
'Black Axe,' linked to the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, is a highly structured, hierarchical group with a global presence. The organisation is known for its involvement in various criminal activities, generating billions of euros in annual criminal proceeds.
This operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime. Europol provided support through information analysis, data sprints, and centralising intelligence.
Learn more: europol.europa.eu/black-axe-switzerland-10-arrests
Press release 2:
Europol has released the 2026 edition of the Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (#IOCTA), providing an in-depth look at the evolving cybercrime landscape in the European Union.
The report, "How encryption, proxies, and AI are expanding cybercrime," highlights the accelerating pace and sophistication of cyber threats, emphasising the need for enhanced law enforcement capabilities and international cooperation.
Key findings include:
-The dark web's resilience and fragmentation, posing challenges for investigators.
-The increasing use of cryptocurrencies in facilitating cybercrime.
-AI-driven online fraud schemes and the role of caller ID spoofing and SIM farms.
-The persistent threat of ransomware and state-sponsored hybrid threats.
-The alarming rise in online child sexual exploitation and the role of E2EE messaging apps.
The IOCTA 2026 serves as a crucial resource for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. It offers detailed analyses, case studies, and recommendations to stay ahead of the curve in the fight against cybercrime.
Learn more in our press release: europol.europa.eu/digital-landscape
Press release 3:
New tools. New cybercrime tactics. Are you keeping up?
Our 2026 #IOCTA report gives you the full picture.
The Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA) looks at the threats, the key developments, and the impact of cybercrime in the past 12 months.
What has shaped cybercrime:
-The resilience of the dark web
-Cryptocurrencies facilitating cybercrime
-The acceleration of online fraud through AI
-The persistent threat of ransomware
-The trade and monetisation of online child sexual exploitation
As the landscape of cybercrime continues to evolve, law enforcement, policymakers, and industry experts must work together to solve these challenges.
Know what’s going on. Read the full report: europol.europa.eu/main-reports/iocta-2026
Photo: © EUROPOL (Corrected!)
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