INTERPOL Leaders Meet in Spain to Combat Transnational Organized Crime

Law enforcement leaders from across the globe recently gathered in Toledo, Spain, for a major INTERPOL regional conference. More than 140 senior police officials attended the two-day event held on May 20 and 21, 2026. The meeting focused on the growing challenges of transnational organized crime and how to better protect the public. This gathering allowed experts to share information and plan new ways to stop international criminal groups. One of the primary topics of discussion was the movement of illegal drugs into European ports. Officials examined how trafficking routes stretching from Latin America are impacting safety in local communities. These criminal networks often use complex methods to hide their activities from authorities. By working together, the police leaders hope to disrupt these supply chains and reduce the flow of illegal substances. Digital platforms have become a significant tool for modern criminal organizations. The delegates examined how "crime-as-a-service" ecosystems allow people to buy and sell tools for illegal acts online. Industrial-scale scam centers were also identified as a growing threat to people everywhere. These centers facilitate cyber-enabled fraud and financial crimes on an unprecedented scale, often targeting vulnerable individuals. Aina Calvo Sastre, Spain’s Secretary of State for Security, spoke at the event to welcome the international delegates. She stated that it was a great honor for Spain to host such an important meeting for global safety. Secretary Calvo Sastre emphasized that strengthening cooperation between different countries is essential in the modern world. She noted that globalization has created new opportunities for crime that require a united response. The Secretary of State specifically listed several shared threats that require immediate attention from law enforcement. These include cybercrime, drug trafficking, and networks that manage irregular migration. She also mentioned the importance of addressing hate crimes to ensure all citizens feel safe. Her speech highlighted the strategic value of INTERPOL in supporting the daily work of millions of police officers. INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe also addressed the crowd during the opening sessions of the conference. He explained that the strength of the organization lies in its ability to create a shared language for policing. By using the same systems and perspectives, different countries can work together more effectively. President Philippe encouraged the delegates to turn their discussions into concrete actions that produce real results. President Philippe noted that the two-day meeting should not just be an exercise in identifying problems. Instead, he described it as a space for action where police can reinforce their cooperation reflexes. He believes that consolidating these relationships is the best way to stay ahead of organized crime. The goal is to make sure that no criminal can hide behind a national border. INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza provided his perspective on the changing nature of global threats. He described modern criminal infrastructure as borderless and often invisible to the naked eye. These groups can operate from anywhere in the world at any time of the day or night. Secretary General Urquiza warned that international crime always has local consequences for families and businesses. The Secretary General pointed out that national and regional policing is strongest when it is backed by global intelligence. He praised Europe for leading by example in the field of international police cooperation. By sharing data and capabilities, law enforcement agencies can achieve better operational results. This connectivity is seen as a vital tool for maintaining justice in a digital age. The conference also spent time looking at the illicit financial flows that sustain criminal organizations. When criminals make money from illegal acts, they often try to hide it within legitimate businesses. This process can damage the economy and make it harder for honest companies to compete. Police are now using new technology and financial tracking to find and seize these illegal funds. This meeting in Spain follows other major efforts by INTERPOL to modernize global policing. Earlier in 2026, the organization held its 21st annual Heads of National Central Bureaus Conference in Lyon, France. That meeting focused on setting quality standards and improving the use of global databases. These ongoing efforts show a commitment to professionalizing law enforcement on an international scale. As technology changes, the role of the detective is also evolving to meet new challenges. Investigators now need a broader skill set that includes expertise in cybersecurity and digital forensics. Traditional physical evidence is still important, but digital evidence is becoming a central part of most cases. This shift requires constant training and the sharing of new investigative techniques among countries. The delegates concluded the conference by reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law and human rights. They agreed that protecting communities requires a balance of effective policing and respect for legal standards. By continuing to meet and share strategies, these leaders aim to create a safer world for everyone. The lessons learned in Toledo will now be carried back to police departments in over 140 different jurisdictions.