Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001832/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
A new report by Europol warns that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of serious and organised crime in the EU. AI’s accessibility, versatility, and sophistication enable criminal networks to automate, scale up, and conceal illicit activities at an unprecedented rate, making law enforcement detection and prosecution significantly more difficult.
The report highlights that AI, along with technologies like blockchain and quantum computing, acts as a catalyst, amplifying the speed, scope and complexity of organised crime. Europol further warns that the emergence of fully autonomous AI systems could give rise to AI-controlled criminal networks in the future.
Digital infrastructure has become the primary setting for organised crime, facilitating cyberattacks, ransomware, online fraud, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking and serious environmental crimes. Europol underlines the urgent need for enhanced access to data in order for law enforcement and the creation of new legal frameworks to address these emerging threats.
In the light of these alarming developments, what measures does the Commission intend to propose to strengthen the EU’s capacity to detect, prevent and combat the use of AI and emerging technologies by organised crime groups?
Submitted: 6.5.2025