The launch of the 52nd European Regional Conference of Interpol was held in Athens on Monday morning, with the key to the increasing complexity of international crime. The conference opened with speeches by the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michael Chrysochoidof the Chief of the Greek Police, Lieutenant General Dimitrios Malliouof Interpol President, Lieutenant General Ahmed Naser Al Raisi and the Secretary -General of Interpol, Valdecy urquiza.

The three -day conference, which is held from June 2 to 4, gathers more than 150 senior representatives of police authorities from Europe and the whole world, with the aim of addressing the most important challenges for European policing and the impact of international crime in the region.

As announced by the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the focus of this year’s Conference are the modern and changing security threats, the “dark side” of artificial intelligence, as well as the identification and recovery of assets coming from criminal activities through the Pilot Program. ‘Silver Notice’ (Silver ad). Under the chairmanship of Interpol Vice President Peter de Buysscher, participants also consider some of the most serious forms of crime, such as drug and weapons trafficking, sexual abuse of minors, as well as interconnection between organized crime and terrorism.

During the opening ceremony, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis, among other things, stressed: “It is a great honor to host Athens at the 52nd European Regional Conference of Interpol, an important meeting that, at this time of global and regional instability, is more necessary than ever. We need unity and a common approach to security and policing. The themes of this year’s conference are extremely up -to -date: emerging security threats and especially organized crime, abuse of artificial intelligence, environmental crime and trafficking in human beings. These are not isolated challenges, but interconnected threats. To deal with them requires information, technology, new tools and – above all – collaboration. We have to work together.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Interpol administration for the continuous support of business coordination, innovation and the development of potential. Tools and platforms such as Biometric Hub, ICSE database and joint ventures such as Lionfish prove what can be achieved through international cooperation when it is based on political will and professional integrity. “.

The Chief of the Greek Police, Lieutenant General Dimitrios Malliosstated: “For the Greek Police, international cooperation is a necessity. Greece’s geographical location at the intersection of three continents and the fluid security environment with successive crises make it imperative. We are actively contributing to Europe’s security architecture by participating in all Interpol activities … This conference is an essential opportunity to deepen our cooperation, share knowledge and explore new tools and strategies to quickly and effectively respond to evolving threats. From the strengthening of digital criminology to border security and the deconstruction of criminal networks, our success depends on coordination, trust and collective commitment. Let us not forget the human side of our mission – the societies we protect, the victims we serve and the future generations we are trying to preserve. “

The president of InterpolAhmed Naser Al-Risi, noted: “We thank the Greek authorities for the hospitality in Athens – the cradle of a culture that influenced the world – as Europe is going through a critical juncture. It faces threats that exceed borders, expand online and deeply affect human life. While national efforts are critical, only strong regional and international cooperation can intercept them. “

“We must be even more determined to identify, stop and lead criminals to justice. We also have to look ahead: From artificial intelligence and biometric identification systems, to the surveillance of the Dark Web, we enter a time of complexity. “

“That is why Interpol is investing in innovation to ensure that you remain a step ahead of the evolving crime. From artificial intelligence and digital forensics to virtual education and identification of synthetic media, we equip the police with the necessary technology to act effectively in today’s complex environment. “

The Secretary -General of Interpol, Valdecy urquizastated: ‘The law enforcement authorities in Europe and worldwide are facing increasingly complex, evolving criminal threats and challenges. From cutting -edge technologies and new criminal practices to the creation of new criminal networks, these innovations make it more difficult to prevent and protect public security. “

At the same time noted that “This conference proves that the international police community can – and will – respond. It is my pleasure to work with colleagues, to exchange optimum practices, to develop innovative potential and to work together to prevent international crime. Interpol is committed to strengthening Europe with critical data, support high -value operational activities and provide security for the best possible tools, both regional and worldwide. “

During the three -day period, delegates will elect new members of the European Commission of Interpol and consider proposals to combat organized crime, cybercrime and a new Interpol information exchange system.

It is worth noting that the European region of Interpol is the most active, contributing almost half of the organization’s 150 million records.

Greece is a founding member and is classified worldwide among the early countries in utilizing the organization’s databases. Through Interpol’s secure communication channel, it is achieved immediate and in real time exchange of information between the prosecuting authorities worldwide.

According to ELAS, the Greek Department of Interpol, as the National Bureau with the General Secretariat and other Member States, plays a key role in national and international security. Only for 2024, they were noted:

* 82 arrests of internationally persecuted persons in Greece,

* 17 arrests abroad based on Greek warrants,

* 36 editions from Greece and 13 editions to Greece,

* 151 red ads,

* Over 125,000 trafficking documents,

* Detecting 28 seeking people abroad.

As noted in the relevant announcement by the Ministry of Citizen Protection: “The organization of the conference in Athens confirms the confidence of the International Police Community in our country and further strengthens the constant goal of the Greek Police for a safer society through international cooperation.”