Athens, Greece – June 4: Over 150 senior law enforcement officials from across Europe and beyond convened in Athens this week for the 52nd INTERPOL European Regional Conference, united in their mission to combat evolving global criminal threats through enhanced cooperation and cutting-edge technology.
Hosted by the Hellenic Police and opened by key dignitaries including Greece’s Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, and INTERPOL President Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the three-day summit (June 2–4) highlighted Europe’s commitment to tackling transnational crime in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Key themes included the misuse of artificial intelligence, financial crime, environmental threats, and human trafficking, with special focus on the Silver Notice pilot, a new INTERPOL initiative to trace and recover criminal assets. Participants also reviewed pressing concerns such as drug and firearms trafficking and the nexus between organized crime and terrorism.
Delivering a powerful opening address, Minister Chrysochoidis emphasized the urgency of united action:
“Emerging security threats are deeply interconnected. We must strengthen our partnerships, leverage technology, and uphold our shared responsibility to protect our societies.”
Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios, Chief of the Hellenic Police, reinforced the significance of international collaboration:
“Greece’s strategic position requires constant vigilance. This conference provides a crucial platform to exchange expertise and reinforce our collective ability to respond to evolving threats.”
INTERPOL leaders echoed a clear call for unity and innovation.
President Al-Raisi noted:
“We face criminals who move beyond borders and behind screens. Only robust international cooperation can bring them to justice. INTERPOL is investing in technologies like biometric systems and darknet monitoring to support police worldwide.”
Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza added:
“As criminal methods grow more sophisticated, law enforcement must stay one step ahead. INTERPOL is committed to equipping European police forces with vital data, advanced tools, and high-impact operational support.”
The conference, chaired by Peter de Buysscher, INTERPOL Vice President for Europe, also included elections to the INTERPOL European Committee and discussions on enhancing intelligence-sharing systems.
Notably, Europe remains INTERPOL’s most active region, contributing nearly 50% of the organization’s 150 million records, a testament to the region’s deep engagement in global crime prevention efforts.
