Have faith and don’t be afraid of change

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Have faith and don’t be afraid of change

By Alexandra Paucescu

Mirella Pocasangre de Vásquez is a proud Salvadoran lawyer, notary, and also law professor, who for the last 17 years has fully embraced the diplomatic life, along with her husband, a career diplomat now ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

United States, Türkiye and the Netherlands have all been ‘HOME’ to them, adding beautiful chapters to their life story. From her words you get that she is an optimist, she loves life and welcomed all changes with an open heart.

‘I grew up during a challenging time in my country’s recent history, but I always maintained a positive outlook. Later, I have found happiness in each country we have lived in, although I must admit that the first move was the most difficult one, as it meant leaving my home country, my family, and my career. In time, I realized the blessing of this life and I have no regrets now.’

She was no longer a professional, but the full-time mother of Pablo and Miguel, and she devoted her life to her family. She learned to find good in everything and fully benefit from all the experiences, enrich her soul with beautiful memories. What’s most important, she found her role in this diplomatic great puzzle.

‘I have learned that there are many times when I cease to be Mirella, the lawyer, and simply become the Salvadoran. People often do not remember my name, but they do remember where I come from. Although I am not with an official position, I always try to uphold the name and the beauties of my country, something that can be achieved with small but significant details. Understanding each other is key for good diplomacy, even across cultures and religions. Although barrier language may seem hard, we can still find ways to connect and be friends. Even with big differences, building good relationships is always possible. Some people believe that diplomatic life is all about travel, social life, and privileges. However, I strongly believe that it is a life of commitment, and I see this every day at my husband. There are no office hours, no weekends, and when duty calls, he answers unconditionally. This is a lifestyle that can only be achieved when one puts the interests of the country first.’

The Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez and his spouse Mirella Pocasangre de Vásquez donating Mirella’s painting to IIllimani cafeteria.

However devoted and involved she is, she still confesses that sometimes she feels the challenges of being away from family and friends. ‘Saying goodbye is difficult. Not being able to share special moments with family is painful. Being far from our parents is hard, and not being able to attend my father’s funeral due to the distance was even harder. Not being able to help my mom and my in-laws in their old age, as well as my brothers, is a source of regret, not being able to give a hug, a simple thing which means a lot. Nowadays my heart is in the Netherlands with my husband, but it is also with my children at their places of study, many kilometers away, and naturally, it is in my home country with my family, as well.’

One of the constants in all life stories that I have had the pleasure of discovering over the past 4 years, while writing these interviews, is that many of these remarkable women have found their calling and vocation while living the diplomatic lives. Each has rediscovered passions that may have been long forgotten and has taken it upon her to offer some of that to the world. Mirella is yet another wonderful example.

‘Since I was a little girl, I loved to paint and loved colors. My parents always bought me crayons and I had fun painting the walls in our house, my bed and everything that was around. When I was in school, I won a painting competition. My classmates often asked me for help them make drawings. At the age of 12, my parents put me in drawing and painting classes with the Salvadoran teacher, Miguel Angel Orellana. It was a short time, but it marked me and I still put what I learned then into practice. Over the years, I put aside painting but, five years ago, during my first time living in the Netherlands, I took a short course in acrylic painting, also learning some new and different techniques. Then, during the pandemic, I picked up my brushes and acrylics again. I don’t paint with oil because I am too impatient, and I prefer to use acrylics, as they are more versatile. Recently, in a discussion with my good friend Rania, the wife of the Egyptian ambassador, talking about my hobbies, I mentioned painting.’

And that’s how they came up with the idea of offering painting classes to a group of diplomatic spouses in The Hague.

In the picture, a group of diplomatic spouses at the Egyptian residence in The Hague are shown displaying their first collaborative work following a painting workshop led by Mirealla Pocasandre de Vazquez.

‘We enthusiastically developed a workshop together, the first one in my life. The experience has been fabulous. The joy of the group is indescribable as it is a dream come true for many. It is even more gratifying to see them progress in their learning.’

You can feel the joy in her words and the fact that she is a generous and warm woman, who likes to share and bring happiness to others, too.

Mirella from El Salvador and Rania from Egypt.

‘All the paintings I have done so far have been given as gifts; the most recent is a painting of my country’s national bird, the torogoz, perched on a coffee branch, which I did for the Illimani cafeteria in The Hague, which sells gourmet Salvadoran coffee.’

She surrounds herself with beauty and good vibes and she brings that to others. Mirella is a great example of a perfect adaptation to diplomatic life, with all that it implies.

Her secret? An optimistic and faith-filled approach.

‘Either you have faith or you are afraid, but you cannot have both at the same time.’


About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu

Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

Venezuela I situation

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Venezuela I situation

ICC Appeals Chamber confirms the decision authorising the resumption of the investigation 

 1 st of March 2024, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court delivered its judgment in the appeal of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (“Venezuela”) against Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision of June 27, 2023. The Appeals Chamber, by unanimity, rejected the appeal and confirmed the “Decision authorizing the resumption of the investigation”.

The Appeals Chamber in this appeal was composed of Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, Presiding, Judge Piotr Hofmański, Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa, and Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze.

Judge Perrin de Brichambaut read a summary of the Judgment in an open court hearing. He indicated that the Appeals Chamber rejected all six grounds of appeal submitted by Venezuela. In examining the grounds of appeal, the Appeals Chamber, among other conclusions, recalled its recent ruling, in the Philippines Judgment , that “the burden of providing information relevant to the pre-trial chamber’s determination under article 18(2) of the Statute remains on the State seeking deferral”.

The Appeals Chamber also considered that the focus of the Pre-Trial Chamber’s assessment was correctly on “whether Venezuela was conducting or had conducted any investigations or prosecutions of the same categories of individuals, that is alleged high-ranking members of the State security forces and pro‑government individuals, in relation to the relevant criminality”.

Furthermore, the Appeals Chamber discussed the issue of whether domestic investigations must cover contextual elements of crimes against humanity, such as the existence of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population or a policy. The Appeals Chamber considered that “the legal interests protected by each crime can be discerned by reference to the elements of that specific crime”.

It also found that in order to pursue the legal interests protected by crimes against humanity, a State, which, like Venezuela, has not incorporated crimes against humanity into its domestic law, while not required to investigate the alleged criminal acts under the legal qualification of crimes against humanity, must nevertheless investigate the factual allegations underpinning the contextual elements of such crimes”. The Appeals Chamber highlighted that while the Rome Statute does not expressly impose an obligation on States Parties to incorporate the crimes against humanity into their domestic legislation, “such incorporation may facilitate the fulfillment of their duty” to exercise criminal jurisdiction over “those responsible for international crimes”.

On other issues, the Appeals Chamber considered that Venezuela misrepresented the Impugned Decision and made unsubstantiated arguments on other points.

Extending joint investigation team in Ukraine

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Extending joint investigation team in Ukraine

Agreement to extend the joint investigation team into alleged core international crimes in Ukraine  for two years

The seven national authorities participating in the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine have agreed to prolong the JIT for two years. The Prosecutors General of the countries involved agreed to the extension in a coordination meeting that took place today in Kyiv, Ukraine. The meeting coincided with the United for Justice Conference, which also took place in Kyiv today. 

Just three weeks after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Eurojust supported the establishment of a JIT set up on 25 March 2022 by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine. On 30 May 2022, Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia became members, followed by Romania on 13 October 2022. On 3 March 2023, the JIT’s seven national authorities signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Department of Justice.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Europol have been participants in the JIT since April 2022 and October 2023, respectively.

A joint investigation team is one of the most advanced tools used in international cooperation in criminal matters, comprising a legal agreement between competent authorities of two or more States for the purpose of carrying out criminal investigations. The aim of the JIT on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine is to facilitate investigations and prosecutions in the States concerned, as well as those that may be taken forward to the ICC.

During the coordination meeting, participants discussed the outcomes of the JIT work so far and the priorities for the next two years.

Eurojust provides legal, analytical, logistical and financial support to the JIT. Since March 2022, the Agency has hosted 22 coordination meetings involving JIT members and other national authorities that are investigating alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine.

The JIT is also supported by the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED), and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), hosted by Eurojust. For more information on the various actions taken by Eurojust since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, please consult our dedicated webpage, which includes a Q&A with answers to the most common questions and recordings of press conferences and other related events.

United for Justice conference

The United for Justice Conference, which took place on 29 February in Kyiv, brought together a large number of stakeholders involved in the efforts to ensure accountability for core international crimes allegedly committed in Ukraine. Organised by the Ukrainian authorities, the event focused on cultural heritage.

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General, Andriy Kostin, opened the event with a keynote address. Speakers included the Minister of Justice of Poland, the Prosecutors General of Lithuania and Romania, and Eurojust President, Mr Ladislav Hamran.

Affaire Ongwen : la Chambre de première instance IX de la CPI ordonne des réparations pour les victimes

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Affaire Ongwen : la Chambre de première instance IX de la CPI ordonne des réparations pour les victimes

Les juges de la Chambre de première instance IX de la CPI lors du prononcé de l’ordonnance de réparation aux victimes dans l’affaire Ongwen, le 28 février 2024.

Aujourd’hui, le 28 février 2024, la Chambre de première instance IX de la Cour pénale internationale , composée des juges Bertram Schmitt, Peter Kovács et Chang-ho Chung, a rendu en audience publique son ordonnance de réparation aux victimes dans l’affaire Le Procureur c. Dominic Ongwen. La Chambre a fixé la responsabilité financière de M. Ongwen à 52 429 000 EUR et a ordonné des réparations collectives communautaires axées sur la réhabilitation et des mesures symboliques de satisfaction, comprenant des programmes de réhabilitation collective, ainsi qu’une indemnité symbolique de 750 € pour toutes les victimes éligibles, ainsi que d’autres mesures symboliques communautaires.

Le juge Bertram Schmitt, juge président, a lu un résumé de l’ordonnance de réparation à l’encontre de M. Ongwen. Il a expliqué que la Chambre a estimé le nombre de victimes directes et indirectes potentiellement éligibles à environ 49 772 victimes.

La Chambre a conclu que les victimes directes des attaques, les victimes directes de crimes sexuels et sexistes, ainsi que les enfants nés de ces crimes et les anciens enfants soldats ont subi un préjudice physique, moral et matériel grave et durable. Les victimes indirectes de tous ces crimes ont subi un préjudice moral et matériel. En outre, l’ensemble de la communauté des victimes a subi un préjudice communautaire, et les enfants des victimes directes et les enfants nés de crimes sexuels et sexistes ont subi un préjudice transgénérationnel.

La Chambre a déclaré M. Ongwen indigent aux fins des réparations et a encouragé le Fonds au profit des victimes (FPV) à compléter les réparations accordées, dans la mesure du possible, et à s’engager dans des efforts supplémentaires de collecte de fonds dans la mesure nécessaire pour compléter la totalité de l’indemnité.

Notant l’indigence de M. Ongwen, la Chambre reconnaît également qu’il appartiendrait au Conseil de direction du FPV de déterminer si et quand utiliser ses « autres ressources » pour compléter les réparations accordées dans la présente affaire.

Liaison vidéo dans la salle d’audience de la CPI lors du prononcé de l’ordonnance de réparation aux victimes, avec Dominic Ongwen assistant à l’audience depuis la Norvège où il purge sa peine d’emprisonnement ©ICC-CPI 

La Chambre a chargé le FPV de soumettre à son approbation, au plus tard le 3 septembre 2024, un projet de plan de mise en œuvre des mesures de réhabilitation et symboliques à inclure dans les réparations collectives communautaires accordées. La Chambre a également demandé au Fonds de donner la priorité au paiement des indemnités monétaires symboliques plutôt qu’à la réhabilitation et à d’autres mesures symboliques. La Chambre a reconnu qu’il faudra du temps avant que des paiements ne soient effectivement distribués aux victimes et que toutes les victimes ne recevraient pas le montant symbolique en même temps, notant que les paiements seraient versés en fonction des besoins urgents et de la vulnérabilité des victimes et de la capacité du FPV à compléter l’indemnisation.

La Chambre encourage les États, les organisations, les entreprises et les particuliers à soutenir la mission et les efforts du FPV et à contribuer à ses activités de collecte de fonds.

Plus d’informations sur cette affaire ici

Full-scale action against EUR 2 billion money laundering network via Lithuanian financial institution

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Full-scale action against EUR 2 billion money laundering network via Lithuanian financial institution

Eurojust supports joint investigation team with operations in Italy, Latvia and Lithuania, also tackling EUR 15 million Italian public money fraud.

Judicial and law enforcement authorities in Italy, Latvia and Lithuania have taken concerted action against a large-scale money laundering business, centring around a Lithuanian financial institution. Since 2017, an estimated EUR 2 billion has been laundered by two main suspects via a worldwide web of shell companies. The suspects, who now have been detained, offered money laundering online as a service to criminals.

A third main suspect, leading another organised crime group (OCG), was arrested in the same operation for defrauding the Italian authorities of EUR 15 million in public funds. These funds were laundered via the same myriad web of enterprises, centred around the financial institution in Lithuania.

During an action day on 27 February, around 250 judicial representatives and law enforcement officers were active on the ground. In total, 18 persons have been arrested, including the three main suspects. In total 55 places were searched and at least EUR 11.5 million in assets and bank accounts have been frozen. Eurojust and Europol played pivotal roles in facilitating and coordinating the international activities. 

The financial institution offered money laundering as a service to thousands of criminals across the EU, by making fictitious financial transactions via the web of enterprises, which were run by strawmen. It advertised its alleged consultancy services online and was set up in Lithuania in 2016 by an Italian-based OCG.

The financial institution was led by the two main suspects, who resided in Lithuania and Latvia. The OCG laundered the proceedings of a range of criminal activities, including tax evasion, cyber fraud, fake bankruptcy and organised crime such as drug trafficking. Part of the proceeds were injected into the Latvian and Lithuanian economies via the purchase of real estate and luxury vehicles.

The laundered money included the EUR 15 million from unlawfully obtained so-called building bonuses, provided by the Italian national authorities.  These bonuses were given for renovation and insulation works and other energy-saving measures of existing buildings. In reality, no repairs took place, the applicants were not the owners or the buildings did not even exist.  The main perpetrator of this fraud was a practising tax consultant, who arranged the awarding of bonuses for 72 other individuals who were aware of the abuse.

Investigations into the OCG were initiated in 2021 by the Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Naples and Lecce in Italy, involving their counterparts in Latvia and Lithuania in 2022 via Eurojust.

In 2022, the financial and judicial authorities in Lithuania already closed down the electronic payment institution. Its banking licence was revoked and bankruptcy procedures were started for non-compliance with money laundering prevention regulations. A rapid reaction of Latvian and Lithuanian authorities to reports on suspicious transactions led to the identification and freezing of millions in funds, real estate properties and luxury vehicles, which now can be confiscated.

During the same year, Eurojust supported the setting up and funding of a joint investigation team between all national authorities involved. Eurojust also set up a coordination centre to support the simultaneous actions in the three countries. 

Furthermore, Eurojust organised eight coordination meetings to prepare for the simultaneous actions of the Italian, Latvian and Lithuanian authorities. These preparations also prevented potential conflicts of jurisdiction. Eurojust has also already facilitated the restitution to Italy of over EUR 3 million of the illegally obtained public funds, which have been frozen by the Lithuanian authorities.

Europol has been supporting the case since January 2022, working closely with the national investigators to uncover the magnitude and complexity of the activities carried out by the OCG. During the action day, two Europol experts were deployed to Latvia to support the authorities with their investigative measures. A third Europol specialist was deployed to the coordination centre at Eurojust, with an analyst on hand at Europol’s headquarters to handle the contributions shared via Europol’s secure communication channels.

The operations against the OCG are the result of long-term intensive cooperation across Europe of the three countries involved. Eurojust Vice-President and National Member for Lithuania, Ms Margarita Šniutytė–Daugėlienė, acting National Member for Italy, Mr Aldo Ingangi, and National Member for Latvia, Ms Dagmāra Skudra, jointly stated: ‘This collaboration really shows the importance of a well-coordinated and prepared approach across Europe. It is a clear example of the role Eurojust plays in transnational judicial cooperation and shows criminal networks, such as the one we tackled, that we know no borders either. We will continue to work closely together to get justice done and take on fraud involving public funds.’

The actions in the three countries were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

·       Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Naples and Lecce; Guardia di Finanza of Naples and Lecce

·       Latvia: Prosecutor General’s Office, Rīga Judicial Region Prosecution Office; 1st Unit of the Economic Crime Enforcement Department of the Central Criminal Police Department of the State Police

·       Lithuania: Vilnius Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office; Vilnius County Police Headquarters

Press release on the Eurojust website   

4th International Workshop for Leadership and Security Kicks Off in Islamabad

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4th International Workshop for Leadership and Security Kicks Off in Islamabad

4th International Workshop for Leadership and Security Kicks Off in Islamabad

February 26, 2024 – Islamabad, Pakistan

Today marks the commencement of the much-anticipated 4th International Workshop for Leadership and Security (4th IWLS) in the bustling city of Islamabad, organized by the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) at the National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad. This five-day event, running from February 26th to March 2nd, 2024, promises to be a convergence of ideas, insights, and perspectives on critical issues facing the global community today.

The opening event, set to commence at 8:00 am Islamabad time, is expected to draw a diverse array of participants from around the world. Academics, military personnel, journalists, and thought leaders hailing from countries such as Egypt, Hong Kong, the USA, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Nepal, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Russia, South Africa, Austria, Romania, South Korea, UK, Denmark, Türkiye and many others have gathered to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas.

The proceedings kick off with a warm Welcome Note by the President of NDU and Director-General of ISSRA, setting the tone for what promises to be an intellectually stimulating and insightful event. The agenda for the day is packed with seminars addressing crucial topics pertinent to the evolving global landscape.

One of the focal points of discussion is the “Evolving Global & Regional Order,” where Ambassador Shahid Malik will delve into the shifts and dynamics shaping the contemporary international system. From geopolitical realignments to emerging security challenges, participants will analyze the multifaceted aspects of global order and its implications for regional stability.

Furthermore, a seminar dedicated to exploring “Global Trends: Human Rights, Climate Change, and Islamophobia” by Dr Asad Rahim underscores the workshop’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues. Clima Change By MsKashmala Kakakhel. In an era marked by growing awareness of human rights, environmental degradation, and the rise of intolerance, this session aims to foster dialogue on strategies for promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and respect for diversity.

The workshops will also feature insights from diverse perspectives, including the “US Perspective” by Prof. Kuglemanand the “Chinese Perspective, by Dr Li Li” offering attendees a nuanced understanding of major powers’ strategic outlooks. Additionally, discussions will extend to regional and domestic dimensions, by Ambassador Zamir Akram, providing insights into the complexities of managing security challenges at various levels.

Amidst the intellectual exchange and deliberations, Islamabad itself provides a vibrant backdrop for the event. With its modern infrastructure, including a new airport, the city reflects Pakistan’s aspirations for progress and development. The hosting of such a significant international workshop in Islamabad underscores the country’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation on global security issues.

As participants gather in Islamabad for the 4th IWLS, there is a palpable sense of optimism and anticipation. With a diverse array of perspectives converging in one space, there is hope that this workshop will catalyze new ideas, forge valuable connections, and contribute to shaping a more secure and prosperous future for all.

Ongoing action targets large migrant smuggling network

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Ongoing action targets large migrant smuggling network

Cross-border operation targets migrant smuggling network active across the English Channel

Large-scale operation involving law enforcement and judicial authorities from Belgium, France and Germany and coordinated by Eurojust and Europol led to the dismantling of one of the most active networks involved in the smuggling of migrants across the English Channel in small boats.

The investigation focused on an Iraqi-Kurdish network suspected of smuggling middle-Eastern and East African irregular migrants from France to the UK with the use of low quality inflatable boats. German authorities raided houses and storage spaces. This resulted in the arrest of more than 15 individuals under Belgian and French judicial orders following one year and a half long joint investigation under Europol’s OTF Wave. The full press release about the case will be published on 22 February.

Judicial authorities involved in the action day:

  • Belgium: Investigative Judge of West-Flanders, section Bruges; Federal Prosecutors’ Office
  • France: JIRS Lille (Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction) – Court of Lille
  • Germany: General Public Prosecutor`s Offices Düsseldorf, Hamm, Köln, Naumburg; Public Prosecutor`s Office Bonn.

Law enforcement authorities involved in the action day:

  • Belgium – Federal judicial Police of West-Flanders
  • France – French Border Police (OLTIM-Antenne de Coquelles)
  • Germany – German Federal Police (Bundespolizei)
  • Press release on the Eurojust website 

Six newly elected ICC judges to be sworn

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Six newly elected ICC judges to be sworn

Six newly elected ICC judges are scheduled to be sworn in on March 8, 2024. A swearing-in ceremony for these judges will take place at 10:30 local time at the seat of the Court in The Hague, Netherlands. The judges, Mr. Keebong Paek (Republic of Korea), Mr. Erdenebalsuren Damdin (Mongolia), Ms. Iulia Motoc (Romania), Mr. Haykel Ben Mahfoudh (Tunisia), Mr. Nicolas Guillou (France), and Ms. Beti Hohler (Slovenia), were elected for nine-year terms during the twenty-second session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in December 2023.

During the ceremony, the newly elected judges will take a public oath, affirming: “I solemnly undertake that I will perform my duties and exercise my powers as a judge of the International Criminal Court honorably, faithfully, impartially, and conscientiously, and that I will respect the confidentiality of investigations and prosecutions and the secrecy of deliberations.”

RLP’s Premier Dreyer welcomed French Ambassador Delattre

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RLP’s Premier Dreyer welcomed French Ambassador Delattre

Rhineland-Palatinate has had intensive cooperation with France for a long time. The partnership with Burgundy has existed since 1962 – even longer than the Élysée Treaty. Rhineland-Palatinate was the first German state to enter into such a contractual connection with a French region. Today it has been expanded to include the Franche-Comté sub-region, to which the Premier Malu Dreyer travelled at the beginning of October 2023.

In addition to current European policy issues, the discussion between Ambassador François Delattre and Premier Dreyer focused on expanding the close and good relations between Rhineland-Palatinate and France, including with a view to cross-border mobility in rail transport and regional energy concepts.

“I am particularly pleased that there are numerous collaborations in the areas of mobility, education, science, environment and culture in Rhineland-Palatinate, in which a lively exchange is maintained. Language acquisition and school partnerships are an important prerequisite for personal encounters and getting to know each other. This is the basis for trust and peaceful coexistence. “That’s why a network event for school partnerships is being planned in Trier next spring,” said Premier Dreyer as per the statement in its original German version linked below.

Ambassador François Delattre took office in September 2022. The French Consul General Ilde Gorguet also took part in the meeting with Premier Malu Dreyer.

For further information 

Government of Rhineland-Palatinate: https://www.rlp.de/service/pressemitteilungen/detail/ministerpraesidentin-dreyer-empfing-franzoesischen-botschafter-francois-delattre

Eurojust supports international operation against world’s largest ransomware group

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Eurojust supports international operation against world’s largest ransomware group

In a coordinated action supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities from 10 different countries have severely disrupted LockBit, the world’s most active ransomware operation. Two members of the ransomware team have been arrested in Poland and Ukraine. In addition, law enforcement has compromised LockBit’s primary platform and other enabling infrastructure. This includes the takedown of 34 servers in the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, France, Switzerland, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

LockBit first emerged at the end of 2019, initially calling itself ‘ABCD’ ransomware. Since then, it has grown rapidly and by 2022 had become the most deployed ransomware variant worldwide. LockBit attacks are believed to have affected over 2,500 victims all over the world.

The group is a ‘ransomware-as-a-service’ operation, meaning that a core team creates its malware and runs its website, while licensing out its code to affiliates who launch attacks.

The joint action enabled the various police forces to take control of much of the infrastructure that enables the LockBit ransomware to operate, including the darknet, and, in particular, the ‘wall of shame’ used to publish the data of victims who refused to pay the ransom. This action has disrupted the network’s ability to operate.

Authorities have also frozen more than 200 cryptocurrency accounts linked to the criminal organisation.

This international operation follows a complex investigation led by the UK National Crime Agency. Supported by Eurojust and Europol, law enforcement from nine other countries worked in close partnership with the National Crime Agency on this case, including authorities in France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and Japan.

The case was opened at Eurojust in April 2022 at the request of the French authorities. Five coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and to prepare for the joint action.

Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) organised 27 operational meetings, and 4 technical 1-week sprints to develop the investigative leads in preparation of the final phase of the investigation. Europol also provided analytical, crypto-tracing and forensic support. In addition, three Europol experts were deployed to the command post in London during the action phase.

With Europol’s support, the Japanese Police, the National Crime Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation pooled their technical expertise to develop decryption tools designed to recover files encrypted by the LockBit ransomware. These solutions have been made available free of charge on the ‘No More Ransom’ portal, which is available in 37 languages. So far, more than 6 million victim across the globe have benefited from No More Ransom, which contains over 120 solutions capable of decrypting more than 150 different types of ransomware.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit
  • United States: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark
  • France: JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime) Public Prosecutor’s Office Paris Cybercrime Unit – C3N (cyber unit); Gendarmerie Nationale
  • Germany: Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia (CCD), State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein (LKA Schleswig-Holstein), Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt)
  • Sweden: Swedish Cybercrime Centre, Swedish Prosecution Authority
  • The Netherlands: National Police (Team Cybercrime Zeeland-West-Brabant, Team Cybercrime Oost-Brabant, Team High Tech Crime); Public Prosecutor’s Office Zeeland-West-Brabant
  • Australia: Australian Federal Police
  • Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • Japan: National Police Agency
  • Switzerland: Zurich Cantonal Police; Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zurich
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