Eurojust Hosts Fourth EJOCN Plenary, Focus on 'Ndrangheta and Organised Crime

• 2026-10-17
• News
• News Desk
• Source: Eurojust https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/news/judicial-practitioners-draw-operational-experience-strengthen-collaboration-ejcon-plenary

The European Judicial Network on Organised Crime (EJOCN) held its fourth plenary meeting on 14-15 October under the Irish Presidency of the Council, bringing together judicial practitioners to strengthen cooperation against organised crime and drug trafficking. The meeting, hosted by Eurojust, the EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, focused on the 'Ndrangheta and how criminal groups infiltrate legitimate businesses.

Key facts

What did the plenary focus on?

• The fourth EJOCN plenary meeting took place on 14-15 October under the Irish Presidency of the Council.
• A central thematic session focused on the 'Ndrangheta, examining its structure, methods and criminal business model.
• The meeting included workshops on overland drug trafficking routes and on timely information sharing among practitioners.
• An operational roundtable addressed specific issues identified by practitioners in advance.

A key session was dedicated to the 'Ndrangheta, with a keynote presentation analysing the group's structure, operational methods and criminal business model. Participants also examined how organised criminal groups infiltrate and exploit legitimate businesses, a practice that allows them to conceal criminal proceeds, facilitate illicit activities and establish influence within the legitimate economy and local society. The session explored the challenges this poses for prosecutors and provided insights into how to address them in investigative and prosecutorial strategies. How did practitioners share experience?

The meeting placed strong emphasis on the exchange of national operational experience and peer learning. Practitioners shared recent case examples from their jurisdictions, allowing them to compare experiences and share approaches to investigation and prosecution. Rotating practitioner workshops enabled participants to explore specific issues in greater depth, drawing on the experience and expertise within the network. What issues were discussed in workshops?

One workshop examined the role of overland drug trafficking routes, with practitioners assessing the challenges these routes present in their jurisdictions and sharing national approaches. A second workshop explored how the EJOCN and its members can support the timely sharing of information between practitioners, including spontaneous exchange of information, complementing existing mechanisms and channels. What was the outcome of the roundtable?

The meeting concluded with an operational roundtable addressing specific issues identified by practitioners in advance. Participants raised questions and challenges with colleagues across the network, facilitating an open exchange of practical experience and prosecutorial approaches. What happens next?

The EJOCN will continue to facilitate cooperation among judicial practitioners, with its next plenary meeting expected to build on the discussions held in October. The network remains a key platform for addressing organised crime and drug trafficking across the European Union.

Source: Eurojust