In the fight against organized mobile crime, more than 103,000 people and vehicles were checked across Europe between 22 and 24 November during so-called Joint Action Days. At least 216 arrests resulted, 66 reported stolen vehicles were seized, the Interior Ministry announced on Sunday. In Austria, 2260 people and 1355 vehicles were checked and 17 people were arrested.
18 states had collectively taken action against the relatively new special form of gang crime. European countries and Europol worked together during the three-day operation, with hundreds of police officers participating each day in dozens of different operations aimed at surveillance, seizure and information exchange, and arrests.
Karner praises the efforts of the researchers
“Consistent and resolute action against the smuggling mafia is more important than ever,” emphasized Interior Minister Gerhard Karner in this regard. In a statement to APA, he pointed out that since the beginning of the year, the specialists of the Federal Criminal Police had been able to arrest more than 630 people smugglers: “I thank the detectives for their exemplary work and commitment. In the context of criminal justice reform particular attention will be paid to further development in the fight against human smuggling.”
Targeting roaming polycriminal groups
The most recent coordinated pan-European police action aimed at silencing roving polycriminal groups that commit crimes all the time. In addition to thefts and burglaries, the increasingly lucrative smuggling is also increasing. Motor vehicles, weapons, money and narcotics with a total value of 771,000 euros were seized in the transnational action.
Points of attention at borders and main traffic routes
In Austria, the federal criminal investigation department and various units of the nine provincial police services, including the provincial detective agencies, were involved in the operation. Several hundred police officers were present, who, according to the Interior Ministry, carried out daily checks at various border crossings and main traffic routes. According to the Ministry of the Interior, most of the arrests were made in the areas of people smuggling and property crime.
Source: Krone
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