Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000506/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Evin Incir (S&D)
Almost 70 % of the criminal networks operating in the EU are active in more than three countries and they are increasingly recruiting children and young people on digital platforms.
These criminals use influencer language, emotional manipulation and grooming techniques and present crimes as ‘challenges’ or ‘missions’. This ‘gamification’ is used to encourage children and young people to commit crimes including murder, transporting narcotics or planting bombs for money.
In Sweden alone, over 32 bomb attacks have been carried out since the beginning of this year, many of them by children and young people.
Preventing the recruitment of children and young people into organised crime is not only vital for dismantling criminal networks but also fundamental to safeguarding the future and well-being of children.
- 1.What specific measures is the Commission implementing to prevent the recruitment of children and young people into organised crime? Is there any action plan on the agenda?
- 2.Will the Commission ensure that digital platforms are obliged to take action against the recruitment of children and young people on their platforms?
- 3.Will the Commission hold digital platforms accountable if they fail to comply with such obligations? If so, how?
Submitted: 5.2.2025