Operational Taskforce GRIMM: 193 arrests in 6 months tackling violence-as-a-service networks

Europol’s Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM has made significant progress in its first six months of operation, arresting 193 individuals and disrupting criminal networks behind the growth of violence-as-a-service (VaaS). One of Europol’s most active taskforces, OTF GRIMM has been instrumental in crippling organised crime groups that have been recruiting young people to carry out violent acts across Europe.

Launched in April 2025, the taskforce has been focused on combating the emerging trend of VaaS, where criminals outsource violent acts, often relying on young, inexperienced perpetrators. These individuals are groomed or coerced into committing a range of violent crimes, from acts of intimidation and torture to murder.

What began as a growing issue in Sweden has now spread across Europe, with criminal networks operating in multiple countries. In response, OTF GRIMM has brought together specialised investigators from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, alongside Europol experts and online service providers. This collaborative effort is aimed at disrupting the recruitment process, which predominantly takes place on social media platforms, and stopping the spread of murder-for-hire services.

Read more at Europol