12.02.24 – International cybercrime malware service targeting thousands of unsuspecting consumers dismantled. On 7 February, two suspects were arrested in Malta and Nigeria in the framework of the operation. The suspects are accused of selling the malware and supporting cybercriminals who used the malware for malicious purposes. Europol provided analytical support to the investigation which led to the operation involving Australia, Canada, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Malta, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania and the United States. These countries provided valuable assistance securing the servers hosting the Warzone RAT infrastructure.
13.02.24 – Fake medicines worth EUR 64 million off EU markets. Between April and October 2023, Europol coordinated the fourth edition of Operation SHIELD. Law enforcement, judicial, customs, medical and anti-doping authorities from 30 countries across 3 continents joined forces in this global effort targeting the trafficking of counterfeit and misused medicines and illicit doping substances. The operation was also supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Frontex, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and national medicine agencies.
16.02.24 – FCA Alert: Organised Crime Groups Exploiting Equity Markets Raises Concerns. In a recent market watch report, the Financial Conduct Authority highlighted a troubling trend of organised crime groups (OCGs) infiltrating equity markets via suspicious trading activities. The report underscores the need for firms to be vigilant and take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with facilitating such illicit activities. According to the report, suspicious trading activities by OCG members, particularly in products linked to the UK and internationally listed equities, represent a significant portion of observed suspicious trading volumes in equity markets. The Serious Crime Act 2015 defines OCGs as groups consisting of three or more individuals who collaborate to carry out criminal activities.
16.02.24 – Properties worth EUR 48 million frozen after cocaine sweep in Ecuador and Spain. On 6 February, a Spanish-led investigation involving Ecuador and supported by Europol, resulted in a major hit on a high-risk drug trafficking network supplying cocaine to the EU. To support the field activities on the action day, Europol deployed two experts to coordination centres set up in Marbella, Spain and Quito, Ecuador. Europol also funded the deployment of two Spanish investigators to Ecuador to enable further coordination between the national authorities on the ground in Ecuador and Spain.
16.02.24 – Operation Venetic: Drug smuggler’s brother sentenced for role in class A and gun importations. A former professional footballer who ran a drug and gun importation operation with his brother has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after a National Crime Agency investigation. McKenzie, 48, from Manchester, conspired with his brother, Craig, to import cocaine and cannabis from the Netherlands, Spain and North America. He was also involved in importing firearms in the same period during March and June 2020.
