Centro de Documentação da PJ
Analítico de Periódico
CD 368
Breaking the vicious cycle [Recurso eletrónico] : confiscation, whistleblowing and technological innovations in the battle against criminal networks / Victoria Koutsoupia
European Law Enforcement Research Bulletin, Luxembourg, Special conference (Edition n. 7, 2026), p. 83-93
Edição especial da conferência n.º 7, da “CEPOL R&S Conference 2024/2025”, subordinada ao tema “Tackling the World of High-Risk Criminal Networks (HRCN)", que teve lugar em Ostia (Roma), nos dias 25 a 27 de março de 2025.
REDE CRIMINOSA, CRIME ORGANIZADO, CONFISCO DE BENS, DENÚNCIA, DELAÇÃO PREMIADA, DIREITO COMUNITÁRIO
High-risk criminal networks operate across all EU Member States, with significant disruptive consequences for both the economy and society. The landscape of organised crime is characterised by a networked environment where collaboration among criminals is seamless, systematic and profit-oriented. The most effective approach to severely weaken these networks is by targeting their illicit gains. The most significant – and perhaps the only effective – way to disrupt the criminal chain is through the confiscation of their profits. Additionally, whistleblowing and recent developments of similar practices are explored as effective methods for dismantling criminal networks. Confiscation targets the economic lifeblood of organised crime; whistleblowing improves detection and evidentiary leads; and technology (e.g. blockchain analytics, interoperable EU systems) scales both detection and recovery. The development of new technological tools offers more opportunities than ever to detect illegal profits and, consequently, seize them. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and big data analytics, can play an important role in combating organised crime and enhancing law enforcement efforts. This paper explores confiscation as a strategy to combat organised crime and dismantle criminal networks, utilising new technologies to efficiently and effectively extract criminal profits. Furthermore, it delves into the efficiency of whistleblowing in disbanding and punishing criminal networks and ensuring justice. The paper examines these aspects not only by scrutinising recent legal developments but also by analysing case-law and providing examples of best practices from Member States. The analysis is structured accordingly: the second section defines the phenomenon; the third section examines confiscation; the fourth section analyses whistleblowing; the fifth section discusses technology-enabled crime and enforcement responses; and the last section concludes with policy priorities and future research.
