The European Union’s law enforcement agency, Europol, has issued a stark warning about the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in fueling organized crime. According to Europol’s latest Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment 2025, AI is accelerating criminal activities, threatening societal stability, and intertwining with state-sponsored cyber threats across the 27-nation bloc.
AI-Driven Crime: A Digital Arms Race
Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle emphasized the rapid evolution of cybercrime, describing it as a digital arms race targeting governments, businesses, and individuals.
“AI-driven attacks are becoming more precise and devastating,” De Bolle stated. “Some incidents now combine motives of profit and destabilization, often aligning with state-sponsored agendas and ideological objectives.”
The report highlights a broad spectrum of criminal activities enhanced by AI, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering, cyberattacks, and online scams. These crimes not only generate illicit profits but also spread violence and normalize corruption, weakening the rule of law.
AI-Powered Cybercrime: Deepfakes, Fraud, and Blackmail
One of the most alarming trends identified in the report is the role of AI in amplifying cybercrime. The proliferation of AI-generated content, such as deepfake videos and voice cloning, has made it increasingly difficult to detect fraudulent activities and identify perpetrators.
“Criminals can now create highly realistic synthetic media to deceive victims, impersonate individuals, and launch sophisticated fraud schemes,” the report states. AI-powered technologies are being leveraged to facilitate new forms of fraud, extortion, and identity theft.
Moreover, the availability of child sexual abuse material online has surged due to AI’s ability to generate and manipulate explicit content. This makes it significantly harder for law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend offenders.
State-Sponsored Cyber Threats on the Rise
Beyond conventional cybercrime, Europol warns that some state-backed actors are utilizing criminal networks to execute cyberattacks, particularly against critical infrastructure. The report specifically points to attacks originating from Russia and allied states, targeting public institutions and essential services.
“Hybrid and traditional cybercriminals are increasingly intertwined, with state-sponsored entities disguising themselves as independent hackers to obscure their true intentions,” the report states.
A recent example cited by Polish Interior Ministry Undersecretary of State Maciej Duszczyk involved a cyberattack on a hospital in Poland, which was forced to halt operations for hours due to an AI-enhanced ransomware attack.
Urgent Need for Stronger Security Measures
As AI continues to amplify the efficiency, speed, and reach of criminal operations, the European Commission is ramping up efforts to strengthen internal security policies. European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, stressed the need for immediate action.
“We must embed security into everything we do,” Brunner stated. The EU also plans to increase funding for Europol, with a goal of doubling its workforce to counter the growing threats.
The Future of Crime Prevention in the AI Era
With AI becoming a powerful tool for both criminals and law enforcement, Europol’s report underscores the urgency of proactive countermeasures. Governments across the EU must collaborate to develop advanced cybersecurity frameworks, improve AI-driven threat detection, and bolster investigative capabilities.
The rapid rise of AI-powered crime presents an unprecedented challenge, but with increased resources and a strategic approach, European nations aim to stay ahead in the fight against organized crime.
