Europol has announced the launch of a powerful new Operational Taskforce (OTF), codenamed GRIMM, to confront the alarming rise of “violence-as-a-service” (VaaS) and the growing recruitment of young people by organised crime groups across Europe.
Spearheaded by Sweden and joined by law enforcement from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, this multinational effort aims to disrupt a shadowy underworld where violence is offered on demand-and young lives are put at risk.
A Fast-Evolving Threat
The move comes in direct response to alarming findings in the European Union Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2025 (EU-SOCTA).
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The report revealed a disturbing strategy: criminal organisations are systematically recruiting young people-often minors-both to commit crimes and to shield their adult masterminds from law enforcement.
By manipulating and exploiting vulnerable youths, gangs hope to evade prosecution and expand their reach with lower risks.
“Violence-as-a-service” is the term for this chilling business model. Criminals outsource brutal acts-including assaults, threats, and even contract killings service providers who hire and deploy young perpetrators for a fee.
Many of these crimes are orchestrated online, with recruitment, training, and payment all happening digitally.
Criminal recruiters are exploiting social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps, luring in young targets with promises of money, status, or a sense of belonging.
Tactics include coded messages, memes, and gamified criminal challenges. The methods are shrewd and calculated-offering not just quick cash, but the allure of a glamorous outlaw lifestyle.
Four-Pronged Approach to Disrupting VaaS Networks
The OTF GRIMM task force’s strategy includes:
- Intelligence Sharing and Joint Investigations: Securing seamless cross-border cooperation.
- Mapping Criminal Methods: Tracking recruitment, roles, and monetisation tactics.
- Targeting Service Providers: Dismantling core groups enabling violence-on-demand.
- Partnering with Tech Companies: Preventing online groomers from reaching new victims.
Europol is central to this effort, offering analytical, strategic, and operational support to ensure a unified European response.
Europol urges parents to remain vigilant. Warning signs of involvement may include unexplained wealth, sudden behavioural changes, or a new secrecy around finances.
If your child stops asking for money but appears to have it, consider it a potential red flag. Europol’s newly published awareness guide provides practical tips to help families identify risks early.
The fight against violence-as-a-service is a fight for the future of vulnerable youth.
Through OTF GRIMM, European authorities are determined to intercept criminal recruiters and reclaim young lives targeted for exploitation.
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