More than 500 police chiefs and law enforcement delegates from 59 countries gathered for the European Police Chiefs Convention 2026 to address how artificial intelligence is changing crime and creating new challenges for law enforcement. Held at Europol’s headquarters from September 28 to 30, the convention focused on AI, cybercrime, lawful access to data, disinformation, radicalisation and international cooperation.
The event brought together representatives from 15 international organisations, including INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization. Europol Acting Executive Director Jürgen Ebner said organised crime has become increasingly digital and called for stronger national capabilities supported by shared European capabilities.
European Police Chiefs Convention 2026 Tackles AI-Driven Crime
A major focus of the European Police Chiefs Convention 2026 was AI in law enforcement and the changing role of artificial intelligence in criminal activity.
According to Europol, criminals are using generative AI, deepfakes and autonomous agents to increase the scale and speed of their operations. These technologies are being misused in fraud, cybercrime, migrant smuggling and child exploitation.
The convention also highlighted the potential benefits of AI for police agencies. Law enforcement can use the technology for faster data analysis, forensic investigations and intelligence gathering.
However, participants said stronger international cooperation, investment in AI capabilities and regulatory frameworks will be needed as law enforcement agencies adopt the technology.
Deepfakes and AI Expand the Criminal Threat Landscape
The growing use of deepfakes was discussed as part of a broader shift in how criminals can use AI to support illicit activities.
Europol said AI is amplifying criminal capabilities, with autonomous agents and generative AI allowing operations to be carried out at greater speed. The discussions placed these developments alongside existing concerns around online fraud and cybercrime.
The convention did not frame AI only as a criminal threat. Law enforcement agencies are also looking at how the same technology can improve investigations and intelligence gathering.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy at the European Commission, said the origin and control of technologies used for critical law enforcement capabilities are important considerations. She also highlighted the need to understand and reduce strategic dependencies affecting security infrastructure.
Lawful Access to Data Remains a Police Challenge
Another key topic was lawful access to data, alongside wider questions around information sharing and cross-border cooperation.
Law enforcement representatives discussed how agencies can strengthen their ability to respond to increasingly digital criminal activity while working across jurisdictions.
Wim Mijs, CEO of the European Banking Federation, also called for greater cooperation between banks, law enforcement, social media platforms and telecommunications companies to identify and stop online fraud before money is transferred.
The discussions reflect the growing importance of cooperation between public authorities and private-sector organisations in responding to digitally enabled crime.
Radicalisation and Online Propaganda
The convention also examined the prevention of radicalisation, with law enforcement officials discussing online radicalisation, lone actors and changing forms of extremist activity.
Europol said law enforcement faces challenges in identifying behavioural changes, dealing with encrypted communications and responding to rapidly changing propaganda. Algorithms and social isolation were also identified as factors that can amplify risks.
Participants highlighted cross-border information sharing, community trust, platform accountability and early intervention as areas requiring attention.
Europol and Customs Agency Strengthen Cooperation
Police and customs representatives also discussed ways to disrupt cross-border criminal activity. Europol and the World Customs Organization signed a Joint Cooperation Action Plan for 2026–27 covering strategic analysis, information exchange and capacity building.
The convention concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Europol Excellence Awards in Innovation. Law enforcement agencies from Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands received awards across three categories covering ethics, diversity and inclusion, innovative operations and technical solutions.
The discussions at the European Police Chiefs Convention 2026 highlighted how law enforcement agencies are adapting to a threat environment increasingly shaped by digital technologies, AI and cross-border criminal activity.
