Iceland Strengthens Role in European Crime Investigations

2026-02-11 - 14:07

Icelandic authorities have underlined the importance of international judicial cooperation following a recent multinational investigation into organised crime, as reported by RÚV. While arrests linked to the operation have been covered previously by Iceland Review, officials say the case also marks a significant step in Iceland’s collaboration with European law enforcement bodies. What's the Story? Ongoing year-long investigation supported by Europol and Eurojust, involving Iceland, Lithuania and Spain Iceland participated in a Eurojust joint investigation team, enabling direct exchange of evidence between countries According to Kolbrún Benediktsdóttir, international cooperation considered essential in tackling organised crime and drug importation to Iceland Litla-Hraun Prison in South Iceland. Photo: Golli. Eurojust role explained The investigation, supported by Europol and Eurojust, has been ongoing for nearly a year and involved authorities in Lithuania and Spain. Iceland participated through a joint investigation team coordinated by Eurojust; one of the first times it has done so. Kolbrún Benediktsdóttir, Iceland’s representative at Eurojust, said such cooperation is essential when criminal groups operate across borders. “When we are fighting organized crime, we have to participate in international cooperation. Otherwise we will not be successful,” she said. She added that joint investigation teams allow prosecutors to exchange evidence and investigative data directly, avoiding lengthy formal procedures. “We can then exchange investigative data and evidence in a much simpler way, instead of having to send it through complicated processes such as court requests. Then we can investigate the cases in parallel in these countries and work together, exchange investigative data, which of course simplifies the continuation of the case.” Kolbrún said authorities hope the cooperation will affect organised drug importation to Iceland.