Malta Targeted by Organized Crime Gangs for Burglaries and Robberies

Malta has been identified as one of the five countries most affected by organized criminal gangs specializing in burglaries and robberies, according to a recent Europol report. The gangs, largely made up of Croatians, Georgians, Italians, and Romanians, are described as mafia-like in their operations.

The report singled out 33 of the 'most threatening' criminal networks targeting Malta and four other countries. These networks are either clan or family-based mobile organized crime groups or 'Thieves in Law' (career criminals). Some of these networks have also branched out into people trafficking and drug smuggling.

Europol's report highlighted 821 criminal networks operating across the EU, with a 'severe impact' on millions of lives. Half of the most threatening networks are involved in drug trafficking, while other criminal activities include fraud, property crime, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking.

Why this matters: The targeting of Malta by organized crime gangs has significant implications for the country's security and the well-being of its citizens. The international nature of these criminal networks underscores the need for increased cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies across Europe to effectively combat this threat.

Italian mafias were noted to have a 'broad reach' across the EU, including in Malta, engaging in activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Georgian networks, on the other hand, tend to focus on property crimes like burglaries and robberies, and are mainly present in Malta and five other countries.

The Europol report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by organized crime in Europe and the need for continued vigilance and action to disrupt these criminal networks. As stated in the report, these gangs have a "severe impact" on the lives of millions of people across the EU, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue as a top priority for law enforcement agencies.

Key Takeaways

• Malta identified as one of 5 countries most affected by organized crime gangs.
• Gangs are mafia-like, involved in burglaries, robberies, people trafficking, and drug smuggling.
• Europol report highlighted 821 criminal networks across EU with severe impact on millions.
• Italian mafias have broad reach in EU, involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
• Increased cooperation among law enforcement agencies needed to combat this international threat.