Gathering in Warsaw to Discuss Strategies for Combating Auto Theft on a Global Scale
In a united effort to combat cross-border criminal groups, particularly from Eastern Europe, an operational conference was held in Warsaw from September 2nd to 4th, 2025. The conference was part of the EU-funded "ISF LUMEN" project, led by the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office.
The Central Investigation Bureau of the Polish Police (Centralne Biuro Śledcze Policji, CBSP) and the Specialist Commission of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office jointly hosted the conference, which was attended by 52 police officers from 16 investigative units in Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany.
The conference aimed to foster international cooperation for developing cross-border strategies against organized vehicle crime. Since January 2023, the "Combating Cross-Border Vehicle Crime" sub-project has seen significant results, with 120 stolen vehicles recovered and assets worth over 700,000 euros seized.
Since the project's inception, the participating investigative units have processed 503 investigations in 37 joint operations. As a result, 105 search warrants and 49 arrest warrants have been executed, leading to several convictions and multi-year prison sentences.
At the conference, 21 criminal investigations were presented, which formed the focus of the internationally oriented event. The conference was the second of its kind, marking a European norm for joint efforts in combating international vehicle crime.
The conference reinforced and expanded the joint approach to combating cross-border criminal groups, with the "ISF LUMEN" project playing a crucial role in this ongoing fight. Several convictions are still pending from the operations within the project, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration and vigilance.
The conference was funded by the Internal Security Fund of the EU, demonstrating the organisation's commitment to supporting initiatives that combat cross-border crime and promote the safety and security of its member states. The conference held in Warsaw serves as a testament to the power of international cooperation in the fight against organised crime.
