The agency’s report, published on March 18, highlights how criminals are taking advantage of these technologies to expand their operations, from online fraud to organized crime.

AI has made digital crimes more accessible by removing technical barriers. Generative AI tools allow criminals to create convincing messages in multiple languages. Europol warns that automation has amplified cybercrime, enabling large-scale phishing attacks and the creation of harmful content, including malware and explicit material.

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Another growing threat is the use of AI to generate deepfakes. Europol noted in the report, “The addition of AI-powered voice cloning and live video deepfakes amplifies the threat, enabling new forms of fraud, extortion, and identity theft”.

With these tools, criminals can fabricate realistic images, videos, and voices, which make scams harder to detect.

Beyond AI, Europol highlights the expanding role of cryptocurrency in criminal activities. While crypto was once primarily linked to cybercrime, it is also used in more traditional illegal operations, such as drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Additionally, criminals are developing new methods to steal digital assets, including cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and mining equipment.

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