Criminal networks are evolving at an alarming rate, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to scale up operations globally, Europol has warned in its latest European Serious Organised Crime Threat Assessment report. These AI-driven crime tactics make fraudulent schemes more sophisticated, harder to detect, and increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to combat.
According to Europol, organized crime groups are now using AI-powered scams and payment systems to target victims across multiple countries. With AI’s ability to generate human-like text and images, criminals can craft messages in different languages and create hyper-realistic impersonations to deceive and blackmail individuals. This shift allows them to execute global cyberfraud operations more efficiently and at a lower cost than ever before.
The Rise of AI in Criminal Networks
“The very DNA of organized crime is changing,” said Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s executive director. “Criminal networks have transformed into global, technology-driven enterprises that exploit digital platforms, illicit financial flows, and geopolitical instability to expand their reach.”
AI is automating almost every aspect of criminal activity, from recruitment and communication to financial transactions. Europol’s report highlights that the same qualities that make AI revolutionary—its adaptability, accessibility, and advanced capabilities—also make it a powerful tool for cybercriminals.
One of the most alarming aspects of AI in criminal operations is its use in generating child abuse materials. In late February, Europol arrested two dozen individuals involved in distributing AI-generated child abuse images. The operation marked one of the first major law enforcement actions against such crimes, exposing the growing danger of AI in this dark corner of the internet.
The Future of AI-Driven Crime
Europol’s report warns that as AI continues to advance, the threat will only escalate. The possibility of fully autonomous AI-driven criminal networks is now on the horizon. In such a scenario, AI systems could execute cybercrimes, manage illicit transactions, and even coordinate operations without human intervention, creating a new and more dangerous era in organized crime.
Beyond cyber fraud, Europol identified other rapidly growing criminal threats across Europe, including cyberattacks, migrant smuggling, drug and firearms trafficking, and illegal waste management operations. In December, Europol dismantled MATRIX, an encrypted messaging platform used by international drug and arms traffickers, demonstrating law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to tackle digital crime.
The Need for Stronger AI Regulations
Despite the rapid growth of AI-powered crime, national legislation surrounding AI’s use in illegal activities remains limited. Europol emphasizes the urgent need for stricter regulations and international collaboration to curb the misuse of AI in criminal enterprises. As AI technology becomes more advanced, governments must act swiftly to ensure that criminals do not stay one step ahead of law enforcement.
The rise of AI-driven crime is a stark reminder of the double-edged nature of technological advancements. While AI holds immense potential for progress, its exploitation by criminal organizations presents a growing challenge for global security.
