On 7-8 July 2026, the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC) hosted at its Headquarters the meeting of the SELEC Environmental Crime Task Force, organized in cooperation with the EMPACT-ISF Project and chaired by Pol. Major Gergely Imre, National Bureau of Investigation, Environmental Crime Unit, Hungary.
The meeting brought together investigators and experts from all 11 SELEC Member States, as well as partner countries and organisations including France, Spain, Italy, EnviCrimeNet, TRAFFIC and UNODC.
The objective of the meeting was to strengthen regional operational cooperation against environmental crime – one of the fastest growing areas of organized crime in Southeast Europe.
During the two days meeting, participants presented:
• National overviews from each SELEC Member State on the state of environmental crime, including national enforcement systems, available statistical data, most common modi operandi and relevant case studies involving the SEE region
• Thematic presentations from France, Spain, Italy, EnviCrimeNet, TRAFFIC and UNODC on waste trafficking, wildlife crime, pollution crime and emerging trends
• Case studies with cross-border dimension where SEE countries played a role as origin, transit or destination.
The discussions focused on improving information exchange through SELEC’s secure channel, identifying joint operational opportunities with EMPACT, and harmonising approaches to investigation of illegal waste shipments, illegal wildlife trade and pollution offences.
“Environmental crime generates huge illicit profits and causes serious harm to public health and biodiversity. SELEC provides the only regional platform where police and customs work together daily. This Task Force is a practical tool to turn information into joint action” the SELEC management noted.
The Task Force agreed on a set of follow-up actions, including enhanced exchange of intelligence on waste trafficking routes, a calendar of joint activities, and closer cooperation with EnviCrimeNet and UNODC.
