Latest news with #DavidCaunter
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
More than 150 arrested in global human trafficking crackdown
An international human trafficking crackdown has led to more than 150 arrests and the identification of more than 1,000 six-day operation, which took place at the start of June, involved nearly 15,000 officers from 43 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, according to targeted organised criminal gangs involved in trafficking people - who are typically underage - for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced criminality and begging, Europol sexual exploitation trafficking victims are women, who are typically recruited from abroad and taken to massage parlours where they are pressured into prostitution. "Human trafficking is a brutal and devastating crime that strips people of their dignity, freedom, and humanity, preying on the most vulnerable, including children," said David Caunter, director of organised and emerging crime at Interpol. The operation - dubbed "Global Chain" - made 158 arrests in total and identified a further 205 suspects, while 1,194 potential victims were was led by Austrian and Romanian authorities, and focused primarily on Europe - but also saw suspects arrested in Thailand, Nigeria and in Malta freed three Colombian women - two sisters and their aunt - who were originally offered employment as cleaners there by an Italian national, Europol said. Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated by the suspect under the guise of arranging work permits, the witholding of which was then used to coerce them into prostitution, the agency Austria, officers made seven arrests in connection with a Romanian family-based gang that allegedly used the "lover-boy" method to lure women into sexual exploitation and forced criminality under the pretence of a romantic relationship. And in Italy, police raided several massage parlours with suspected links to sexual exploitation, identifying 75 potential trafficking victims, according to trafficking victims originated from 64 countries around the globe, but the majority came from Romania, Ukraine, Colombia, China and Hungary, officials operation also saw €277,669 (£240,351) in cash seized, as well as 30 guns, 65 fraudulent documents and a tonne of cannabis.A similar operation took place around the same time last year, resulting in the arrest of 200 suspects and the identification of more than 1,300 victims.
Irish Examiner
05-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Interpol: Kinahans will be 'taken down' as Irish organised crime now on top globally
Irish cartels are now at the top echelons of organised crime internationally, an Interpol chief has said. But David Caunter, Interpol director of organised and emerging crime, is optimistic that all leaders of the Kinahan cartel, Ireland's largest and most deadly crime group, will be 'taken down' by law enforcement. The Kinahan cartel is one of multiple transnational crime groups linked to the foiled MV Matthew drug trafficking operation, during which a €190m bulk cargo vessel was intercepted by Irish authorities at gunpoint while attempting to smuggle some 2.2 tonnes of cocaine with a street value of some €157m through Irish waters. Eight men were sentenced to a combined 129 years in prison for their role in the drug trafficking operation in the Special Criminal Court yesterday. Irish organised crime groups are now at the top of organised crime internationally, Mr Cantour said. And organised crime groups are continuing to expand globally, forging new links and new routes internationally, he said. Mexico's Sinaloa cartel remains powerful, despite internal war within the cartel and major government crackdowns on its operations, with the organised crime group continuing to expand internationally, with tentacles now reaching to and deepening within Australia and New Zealand, he said. We know organised crime groups are continuing to expand globally. They're looking to expand partnerships into parts of the world where they had no developed partnerships before. 'That global connection is quite strong. The local traffickers may not understand that they are just a piece of this transglobal organised crime picture.' Links are now particularly strong between gangs in the Middle East and South America, he said. And the MV Matthew case shows these 'strong linkages.' The operation was directed from Dubai with Iranian and Hezbollah links, while the cocaine was bought from a Latin American cartel and it was shipped from Venezuela in South America. West Africa is also now becoming more important as a transit route in the cocaine trade, with new groups mushrooming in the region in response to the cocaine trade's growth there. 'Organised crime groups are beginning to pivot and shift a little bit and moving their products instead of directly into Europe looking for other countries as an intermediary to then conceal that routing back into Europe,' Mr Cantour said. 'These cartels are very resilient. They're looking for new ways to get their drugs to market. 'We're seeing Balkan, Lebanese, and other criminal organisations [involvement],' he said. Irish groups operating domestically have global reach Ireland also has strong organised crime groups operating domestically but which have major global reach, he said. The threat of synthetic drugs is now rising in Ireland and globally, he said. 'We're seeing synthetic drug markets popping up, especially here in Europe, which is an alarming trend just based on the high potential for death, overdose deaths like we've seen in North America.' Fentanyl, nitazines, and other powerful synthetics remain a deadly threat, he said. But an increase in poly drug cocktails, like pink cocaine - a mixture of various different synthetic drugs - that are gaining popularity, are also an increasing concern for Interpol. Pink cocaine production is mostly centred in Asia and the Americas currently, he said. Another new drug of concern is 'happy water', another synthetic drug mix, which includes MDMA, methamphetamine, diazepam, and ketamine. It is sold in powder form and dissolved in liquid, creating a psychoactive liquid which has been growing in use in Southeast Asia. 'When organisations are poisoning the streets with those types of substances, there's a high potential for overdose deaths, for illnesses,' Mr Cantour said. 'Unlike the traditional plant-based drugs [heroin, cocaine], synthetic drug production is not limited geographically. 'It can really happen anywhere in the world, and that's what makes it quite alarming. You can move your production zone right next to your transportation networks.' Fentanyl has not yet gripped Europe the way it has the US, but the even more powerful synthetic opioids nitazines have been taking an increasing hold in Europe and are linked to overdoses and death already in Ireland. Although the Sinaloa cartel manufactures fentanyl and sends it over the border to addicts in the US, Europe does not have the same prescription drug abuse problem as the US so fentanyl has not become as large a phenomenon here, he said. But it remains 'something to watch.' Synthetic drugs replacing heroin Dave Caunter, Director of organized and emerging crime Interpol, Captain Darragh Kirwan, Head of Neval services Operations Command, Angela Willis, Assistant Commissioner organized and serious crime, Ruth Kennedy, Revenue and Sjoerd Top, Executive Director Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N) at a joint media briefing on the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history from the MV Matthew by the Joint Task Force comprising members of the Revenue Customs Service, Naval Service and An Garda Síochána at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan Heroin use has almost completely disappeared in the US with more powerful – and profitable - synthetics taking its place. Heroin supply lessoned with the ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan but even more powerful synthetics are already taking its place, he said. 'You'll have various chemicals being shipped from Asia to other parts of the world, and we're seeing manufacturing pop up in all regions of the world. ' I'm worried about the synthetic drugs just because of the high potency, the high profitability. It makes it quite lucrative. 'And the harm that those types of drugs can cause, which we've seen in North America with the 120,000 overdose deaths. The fear is if that comes and takes hold here for the European market, it could be quite troubling. 'And what I have seen with the global drugs business is no country is immune." Mr Cantour was speaking to the Irish Examiner at Haulbowline naval base on Saturday after a joint taskforce presentation on the historic MV Matthew drug seizure between gardaí, the navy, and Revenue. Representatives from Interpol and the Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre – Narcotics (MAOC (N), which targets maritime drug smuggling, were also present as both bodies were also centrally involved in the MV Matthew operation. Read More MV Matthew crew were no mere cogs — they played a vital role in cocaine trafficking venture
The Journal
05-07-2025
- The Journal
Irish criminals top tier of international organised crime, Interpol organised crime chief reveals
LAST UPDATE | 33 mins ago IRISH CRIMINALS ARE at the top tier of international organised crime, a senior Interpol official has said. This morning, at Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork, Irish and international agencies involved in Operation Piano, the mission to capture the MV Matthew, have spoken for the first time about how Ireland's largest ever cocaine seizure happened. Gardaí, Customs, the Naval Service, Interpol and MAOC-N outlined their teams' work in the capture in September 2023. Yesterday eight men, from Ukraine, Iran and the UK were sentenced to lengthy jail terms for their part in the mission. This morning, at a press conference, the voicemails from the Dubai based criminal controller were played for the first time for media. In an extraordinary video produced by the Garda Press Office and issued by participating agencies – the true drama of Operation Piano was revealed. On the 26th of September 2023, the MV Matthew was interdicted by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Drug Interdiction. The JTF consists of the Revenue Customs Service, An Garda Síochána and the Naval Service as the lead representatives for the Defence Forces. During this operation,… — Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) July 5, 2025 As revealed yesterday by The Journal part of the operation was a fundraising drive by Iranian operatives on behalf of the Hezbollah terror group . It was confirmed in Haulbowline this morning that three of the men on board were part of that Iranian team. Speaking to The Journal after the press conference David Caunter, of the Interpol Organised and Emerging Crime Directorate, said that Irish criminals are right at the head of the global organised crime snake. 'It [Irish criminal involvement in a European super cartel] continues to evolve. These cartels are super resilient. 'They're looking for new ways to get their drugs to market. So I think it's changing. I think the threat of synthetic drugs is on the rise globally. We're seeing synthetic drug markets popping up, especially here in Europe, which is an alarming trend just based from the high potential for death overdose deaths like we've seen in North America. 'So that's something that we're monitoring quite closely,' he said. Caunter said that there is evidence of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs such as nitazene which has become more prevalent across Europe. 'We're also seeing an increase in what we call poly drug cocktail drugs, pink cocaine, for example, which actually doesn't contain cocaine, but it is a mixture of various different synthetic drugs. 'When organizations are poisoning the streets with those types of substances, there's a high potential for overdose deaths and [associated] illnesses,' he added. He said that the nitazenes are more prevalent in Europe because the American market was hit first with fentanyl and the abuse of prescription drugs. Nitazene has been found in Ireland in counterfeit yellow tranquiliser style drugs – a warning has been issued by the HSE to users after several overdoses . Advertisement Caunter said the 'traditional plant based drug manufacturing' is not limited by geographical location and the crime groups are now moving towards synthetic drugs as it is easier to produce locally. 'It can really happen anywhere, anywhere in the world, and that's what makes it quite alarming. You can, you can move your your production zone right next to your your transportation networks,' he added. David Caunter, Director of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL during a briefing at Haulbowline Naval Base, Cork. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Caunter said that connections between European organised crime involving Irish criminals with their counterparts such as the Sinaloa Cartel is widespread and evolving. When asked where do Irish organised criminals sit on the seniority level in global crime, whether they are top tier, middle or bottom, he said: ' I would say they're a top criminal organisation.' The intelligence Sjoerd Top, the director of the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N) based in Lisbon, Portugal. Speaking in Haulbowline Naval Base this morning he said that Ireland was an example of the successes that can come from working together with international partners and Irish state agencies. Gardaí and Revenue Customs had received intelligence in Ireland prior to Operation Piano that also assisted in the targeting of the five people buying the Castlemore, the fishing boat which was destined to be used to transfer the drugs from the MV Matthew. This information was then married up with MAOC-N information that ultimately led to the seizure. Ireland runs a coastwatch initiative where people can contact the authorities to tell them of suspicious activity. Top referenced the seizure of €51m worth of cocaine in Cork last week and spoke of the importance of liaising with the Irish public when dealing with organised crime. 'Both cases show that cooperation, both nationally and internationally is crucial, and Ireland is an example for others of how to organise yourself well nationally and connect that with international bodies such as MAOC-N. 'I want to highlight the point that often gets less attention, but in my view has been crucial in this case. Ireland was able to engage the public and ask them to report strange behavior of their individuals. It has been able to link local knowledge with intelligence coming from international partners. 'Tackling organised crime groups benefits from a resilient society where the public, police, and customs are closely linked. That is not to be underestimated part of the success in these cases,' he said. Top explained that part of the assessment carried out by MAOC-N is about deciding which country can best target individual shipments and that is how Ireland succeeded in the MV Matthew mission. '[We analyse] which country had the best chance of making a successful interdiction that would lead to a successful prosecution. 'And based on the intelligence brought in by several countries, [Irish] liaison officers based in Lisbon, Portugal, we were able to swiftly organise that Ireland had the chance of a successful engagement where evidence could be gathered. 'In addition, we were able to support Ireland with analysis on vessel movements that clearly showed that those on board had evil intentions. In supporting so we were not only able to support Ireland but also other countries to use their scarce resources effectively and efficiently,' he added. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... 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Global News
26-06-2025
- Health
- Global News
Health Canada issues Interpol operation alert over fake drugs sold online
Health Canada has issued a public advisory warning Canadians about buying health products online after an international operation against counterfeit medicine saw thousands of packages stopped or seized before entering the country. From Dec. 16, 2024, until May 16, 2025, Interpol led an operation across 90 countries, Operation Pangea XVII, that resulted in the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals worth more than $88 million, with 769 suspects arrested and 123 criminal groups dismantled worldwide, the largest seizures and arrests in the organization's history. 'Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death,' said David Caunter, director pro tempore of organized and emerging crime at Interpol. In Canada's case, Health Canada inspected 19,193 packages coming into the country, stopping 7,096 from entering and seizing another 539 at the border suspected of containing counterfeit or otherwise unauthorized health products worth an estimated $378,000. Story continues below advertisement About 69 per cent of the seized products were sexual enhancement medications, and another 10 per cent were supplements, including herbal and dietary forms. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy About four per cent were veterinary and antiparasitic drugs, two per cent were hormones, two per cent were antibiotics and one per cent were weight loss drugs. 'Health products sold online may seem legitimate and safe, but some may not actually be authorized for sale in Canada and could be dangerous to your health,' Health Canada says in a news release. It notes that unauthorized health products have not been assessed by Health Canada for safety, efficacy and quality and could pose serious risks as a result. For example, the products could be fake, badly stored, mislabelled, expired or subject to recalls. 'Unauthorized drugs or natural health products may have no active ingredients, the wrong ingredients, or dangerous additives such as prescription drugs not listed on the label,' Health Canada says. 'Unlicensed medical devices might be low quality, may not work, or may be unsafe.' Wednesday's public advisory is urging Canadians to take steps to protect themselves, including by contacting the pharmacy regulatory authority in their province or territory if they have questions about an online pharmacy to ensure it is safe to order from. Canadians are also advised to consult with a health-care professional, such as their doctor or pharmacist, if there are questions about a health-care product and report adverse events or complaints involving drugs, natural health products or medical devices, including illegal products, to Health Canada. Story continues below advertisement People can also check the recalls and safety alerts database for advisories on illegal health products if they have concerns. Health Canada noted that it maintains lists of authorized sexual enhancement products, skin lightening and other skin treatments, workout supplements and poppers — alkyl nitrate, which is sometimes used for recreational purposes.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Global crackdown: US$65mil in illegal Ozempic, peptides, drugs seized
KUALA LUMPUR: Police agencies around the world have seized an estimated US$65 million (RM305 million) worth of fake or unauthorised medications in a sweeping international crackdown targeting the surge of illicit drugs flooding the internet. Between December and May 2025, authorities in 90 countries — including 26 in Asia — seized more than 50 million doses of counterfeit, unapproved, or illegally diverted medications, International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) said Wednesday, as part of a sweeping global crackdown on black market pharmaceuticals. The operation was coordinated by Interpol, which led the global effort to target the illicit drug trade. Interpol said Operation Pangea XVII led to the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal networks across the globe. "The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation's 17-year history," it said. Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson's disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines the second highest. Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents. Interpol's acting director of Organised and Emerging Crime, David Caunter, warned that fake and unapproved medicines pose a deadly threat and are increasingly spread online by criminal networks. "Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death. "The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit. "Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people's health and keep healthcare systems safe." The operation highlighted a growing demand for anti-diabetic drugs and peptide supplements, fuelled by rising self-medication and online promotion. Criminal networks are exploiting social media and digital marketplaces to sell low-quality or counterfeit products, drawn by high profits and relatively low risk. Authorities reported a surge in illicit anti-diabetic medicines — particularly semaglutide — across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, with some pens fetching hundreds of US dollars on the black market. The seizures support recent warnings from the World Health Organization and national health agencies about the rising dangers of GLP-1-related injectable drugs. Operation Pangea XVII also uncovered surging demand for unapproved peptide supplements like BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan — especially in wealthier countries — despite health risks and limited clinical testing. Law enforcement agencies across the globe launched 1,728 investigations and executed 847 search warrants targeting criminal networks involved in the illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals. Nearly 93 per cent of the seized medicines lacked approval from national health authorities, with many found to be counterfeit, substandard or falsified. Australia reported the largest volume of seizures, primarily involving psychostimulants like modafinil, followed by anti-smoking products and erectile dysfunction drugs. Professor Tony Lawler, head of Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), said the agency helped seize over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including substandard and falsified products. Malaysia removed the highest number of illicit online listings — 7,000 — followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore and Iran, collectively accounting for 96 per cent of takedowns. Additional major seizures were reported in Canada, Portugal, Sweden, and the United States, with some countries uncovering trafficking networks in prisons and courier hubs. Operation Pangea is an annual Interpol crackdown on illegal online drug sales. The 17th edition ran for six months, replacing the usual one-week effort to better disrupt criminal networks.
