Europol and Interpol Overview

Europol

• Europol is the European Union's law enforcement agency.
• It facilitates cooperation and information sharing among EU Member States' police forces.
• Its primary function is to combat serious and organized crime.
• Europol's mandate covers a wide range of criminal activities, including terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime, fraud, and human trafficking.
• Europol operates through a network of national focal points, which are the liaison officers within each Member State's police agency.
• Key tools and resources used by Europol include databases, analysis centers, and expert teams to support investigation efforts.
• Europol promotes operational cooperation between national law enforcement agencies.
• It conducts joint investigations, sharing intelligence and expertise to enhance the effectiveness of anti-crime efforts across Europe.
• Europol's activities are focused on identifying, disrupting, and preventing criminal activities.

Interpol

• Interpol is an international organization that facilitates police cooperation among member countries.
• It is not a European Union entity, but operates globally.
• Interpol's primary function is to connect and support law enforcement agencies worldwide.
• It facilitates the exchange of information on crime and wanted persons.
• The organization maintains a searchable database of individuals, and objects of crime (e.g. stolen cars, artifacts).
• Interpol assists and supports national laws enforcement with operational cooperation.
• It coordinates international police operations and investigations.
• Interpol's focus is on combating criminal activities, such as terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized crime, though often on a broader international scope than Europol.

Eurojust

• Eurojust is the European Union's agency for judicial cooperation.
• It is an important partner for agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of serious crime.
• Eurojust works to strengthen cooperation among the judicial authorities across EU member states.
• It aims to ensure more effective prosecution of serious crimes through coordination, analysis and information sharing.
• Its role includes supporting investigations, coordinating actions, and ensuring the consistent and effective application of EU criminal law.
• Eurojust has the ability to bring together prosecutors from different countries for joint operations.
• It facilitates exchanges of intelligence and technical expertise among member states.
• Eurojust significantly contributes towards the efficient investigation and successful prosecution of crime.

OLAF

• OLAF (as the European Anti-Fraud Office) is a distinct EU institution tasked with preventing and combating fraud impacting the EU's financial interests.
• It's primarily focused on investigating fraud committed against the EU budget.
• OLAF assists and supports other EU agencies in their efforts to investigate fraud.
• OLAF investigates corruption, fraud, and other offences against the interests of the European Union (EU) institutions and bodies.
• Its mandate covers a wide range of activities, including examining customs or tax-related fraud schemes.
• OLA, like Eurojust, is dedicated to upholding the integrity and sound financial management of the EU budget.
• OLAF operates across all institutions, contributing to upholding the financial integrity of EU programs and funds.
• OLAF also collaborates with other EU agencies to combat EU fraud.