Interpol and Europol establish new link for secure information exchange

A new network connection has been established between Interpol and Europol, enabling the secure exchange of information.

“Current operational cooperation between Europol and Interpol rests on a solid basis and this new secure link will undoubtedly strengthen the alliance between our two organisations,” said Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol. “It will ensure an even more powerful response for the international law enforcement community, ultimately enhancing our capabilities, and those of our respective Member States, to tackle international crime and terrorism.”

This is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to enhance and streamline cooperation between the two organisations, which Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble said were essential in helping preserve European and global security.

“As law enforcement faces increasing pressures with limited budgets, we need to remain innovative in identifying ways where we can work more effectively with the resources we have in tackling all forms of crime,” said Mr Noble.

Since the signing of the first cooperation agreement between Interpol and Europol in 2001, a wide range of joint activities have been implemented aimed at facilitating and simplifying the exchange of operational and strategic crime information to combat a range of criminal activities, including maritime piracy, counter-terrorism, cybercrime and child sexual exploitation.

The interconnection of the two organisations’ computer networks via a secure link is one of the elements of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mr Noble and Mr Wainwright in October. It provides a technical foundation for the further development and sharing of services in the future.