Iceland Sets Out First National Strategy Against Organised Crime

2026-02-03 - 12:07

Iceland’s government has set out its first dedicated policy aimed at tackling organised crime, outlining measures to strengthen border controls, policing tools and international cooperation. As reported by RÚV, Justice Minister Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir presented the strategy, titled A Safer Iceland, at a meeting yesterday, Monday February 2nd. What's the Story? National policy A Safer Iceland includes stronger border monitoring at ports and airports, expanded police analysis Closer cooperation planned with Directorate of Immigration, Directorate of Labour and police districts Review of criminal law and consideration of tougher penalties linked to organised crime Wider use of re-entry bans following deportations and increased cooperation with Europol and Interpol Keflavík Airport. Photo: Golli Security Measures Expanded The new policy includes expanded analytical work, closer coordination between police districts and cooperation with agencies such as the Directorate of Immigration and the Directorate of Labour. “This is not least about harmonizing procedures and applying deportations to a greater extent than has been done,” said Þorbjörg Sigríður. She confirmed that some legal amendments would be required: “Some legal changes, some changes to regulations.” The policy calls for a review of criminal legislation and considers tougher penalties where offences are linked to organised crime groups or involve the exploitation of children. Police Station in Downtown Reykjavík. Photo: Golli "Iceland is not a promising destination for criminal groups" Proposed actions include legalising police body cameras, increasing monitoring at ports and airports, enhancing passenger data analysis, and strengthening cooperation with Europol and Interpol. It also proposes wider use of re-entry bans following deportations. “We intend to apply it more than before. A re-entry ban will accompany deportations and be clear in the message that Iceland is not a promising destination for criminal groups,” the minister said. Separately, Katrín Sif Oddgeirsdóttir of the National Police Commissioner’s analysis department said organised groups are increasingly recruiting vulnerable individuals and using artificial intelligence in fraud.