Europol update: thousands of individuals prosecuted and millions seized in coordinated Europol action

Background

In previous articles, we have examined how due to the borderless nature of transnational crime, jurisdictions have to request INTERPOL to issue notices in order to locate individuals accused of criminal wrongdoing who are based outside of that jurisdiction, with a view to potential extradition. There have been several examples of subsequent extradition requests.

Indeed, using INTERPOL to pursue individuals accused of transnational criminal behaviour is becoming more common.

With a specific focus on crypto fraud, we have additionally explored how two other international law enforcement organisations – specifically Europol and Eurojust – are becoming involved in cases with a transnational criminal element.

Europol and crypto (part 1) – five arrests and three searches in crypto investment fraud ring

Eurojust and crypto (part 1) – coordinated action to halt 100 million cryptocurrency euro fraud

Europol (part 2) – seven arrests and 26 searches in cybercrime fraud operation

In our latest article, we examine Europol’s role in a coordinated action against a pharmaceutical crime network.

What is Europol?

Europol is the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, tasked with combating serious international crime and terrorism by facilitating cooperation between law enforcement agencies in EU member states. It acts as a central hub for criminal intelligence and provides support for cross-border operations.

Europol has recently recognised that investing in preventing and combating the misuse of the crypto ecosystem for the purpose of financial crime is vital to safeguarding both national and international security.

What has Europol been up to?

It has recently been reported that the Europol operation against pharmaceutical crime networks, which took place between April and November 2025, has achieved the following outcomes:

• 3 354 individuals prosecuted
• 907 investigations launched
• 43 organised crime groups investigated
• 5 underground labs seized
• 10 assembly sites seized
• 66 websites taken down
• 233 websites monitored
• 4 186 inspections performed
• 5 517 anti-doping controls (in competition) performed
• 5 916 anti-doping controls (out of competition) performed.

This was a massive Europol-coordinated operation, involving law enforcement, judicial, customs, medical and anti-doping authorities from 30 countries.

The operation has highlighted multiple critical public-health threats and has exposed various illegal pharmaceutical crime activities in Europe, including exploiting supply chains, infringing intellectual property rights and generating substantial illicit profits.

The operation was supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, Frontex, INTERPOL and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

What does this mean? A further warning for those with outstanding issues across Europe

This development serves as a significant warning to individuals and corporations with outstanding legal issues in Europe.

Both individuals and companies who may be concerned about any liability resulting from business activities in Europe, including even an outstanding civil dispute, should remain vigilant. Any financial dealings are now likely to come under much greater scrutiny than before.

How Gherson can help

Gherson Solicitors have extensive experience in providing legal assistance to corporates and individuals who may have, or suspect they may have, outstanding issues in Europe.

INTERPOL measures consideration

In addition, those who suspect that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Purple, Special (INTERPOL – United Nations Security Council) or Yellow Notice, should take heed.

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who believe they may have outstanding financial issues which may engage INTERPOL. Our  advice tackles the following:

1. How best to approach a possible INTERPOL notice;
2. Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
3. Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
4. Exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who may suspect that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red Notice):

• What is INTERPOL’s Silver Notice?
• INTERPOL UPDATE – India charges 8 people in first INTERPOL Silver Notice Case
• What is an INTERPOL Yellow Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL – United Nations Security Council Special Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Green Notice, and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Orange Notice, and can it be challenged?
• What is the purpose of an INTERPOL Blue Notice, and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Blue Notice?
• INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
• How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice
• INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
• How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice?

Gherson have over 36 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. We have unparalleled expertise in managing asylum and extradition requests in tandem. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this blog or about your specific circumstances,  do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice.  Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position.  Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog.  For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson.  Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2026