Rome, 1st January 2026

Phygital-OC has launched a new podcast series, bringing together a collection of experts and practitioners to explore the growing threat of ethnic mafia-style organised crime across Europe. The first episode examines how organised crime groups and networks operate across borders, their links to drugs and human trafficking, and how they are exploiting new digital technologies to expand and coordinate their activities.

The podcast provides insight into the nature, scale and impact of organised crime, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and the gaps in knowledge that the Phygital-OC project is working to address. It also explores the nexus between physical and digital crime, demonstrating why understanding this connection is critical to dismantling criminal networks.

“This project marks an important step in our fight against organised crime,” said Sergio Bianchi, International Research Director at Agenfor International and a member of the Phygital-OC project. “By bringing together law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities and civil society organisations, Phygital-OC strengthens our ability to Dismantle Organised Crime, and make our communities safer and more secure for everyone.”

Listeners will gain an understanding of how Phygital-OC is improving knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and applying innovative tools and approaches to Dismantle Organised Crime. The discussion is accessible and engaging, offering perspectives from multiple experts involved in the project, from Italy, Greece and the Western Balkans.

The podcast is now available on the Phygital-OC website, where future episodes will continue to highlight different aspects of the project’s work. Through this series, Phygital-OC aims to raise awareness, promote collaboration, and support collective action to prevent, detect and Dismantle Organised Crime across Europe.