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The Working Arrangement formalises cooperation that has already demonstrated its value through joint involvement in EMPACT activities. It provides a framework for the exchange of strategic information to strengthen collaboration in areas of shared interest, and the development of further areas of cooperation.
Labour exploitation is not simply a labour law issue - it can be a highly profitable business for organised crime. Criminal networks operate across borders and exploit legitimate business structures to facilitate their activities and conceal criminal profits. By strengthening our cooperation with the European Labour Authority, we can improve the exchange of information, connect intelligence across jurisdictions and better identify the organised crime structures behind labour exploitation. This Working Arrangement will help us turn that intelligence into stronger law enforcement action.
Today’s signature marks the beginning of a more structured phase of cooperation between EUROPOL and ELA. The Authority looks forward to translating this Working Arrangement into meaningful action and practical cooperation that support national authorities and contribute to fair labour mobility and the fight against cross-border labour exploitation and fraud.
Labour exploitation remains a significant, yet often under-reported, form of trafficking in human beings. Cases can initially appear as breaches of labour law, meaning that indicators of trafficking and organised crime may go undetected. Closer cooperation between law enforcement and labour authorities is therefore essential to identify potential victims and criminal networks at an earlier stage.
Since its establishment ELA supports EMPACT activities that bring together law enforcement, labour, tax, border control and other authorities across Europe to identify and address labour exploitation, with particular attention to vulnerable groups and high-risk sectors such as agriculture, HORECA. The actions have focused on victim identification and their protection and disruption of exploitation networks (https://www.ela.europa.eu/en/news/54-persons-arrested-action-against-labour-exploitation).
Recent operational activities, including the Europol-coordinated GLOBAL CHAIN action days, have demonstrated the value of such a multidisciplinary approach.
Through cooperation between EUROPOL and ELA, we aim to strengthen links between law enforcement and national labour inspectorates and improve the flow of relevant information on labour exploitation and associated criminal activities. Better access to actionable information will support all authorities in moving beyond individual labour law infringements to identify the organised crime structures that may be operating behind them.
