Headlines
Germany seeks to enlist AI, modernise security bodies in fight against organised crime
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 25, 2026
3 min readLast updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Summary
Germany will modernize customs and the BKA, using AI and shared data hubs to target organized crime. Plans include quicker asset seizures and expanded powers to fight money laundering and drug trafficking.
Germany to Use AI, Upgrade Security Agencies to Combat Organized Crime
Germany’s AI-Enabled Push Against Organized Crime
BERLIN, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Germany plans to modernise its main security authorities and enlist AI in its fight against organised crime, as it cracks down on financial offences, money laundering and drug-related cases, the ministries of finance, interior affairs and justice said on Wednesday.
Modernizing Customs and the BKA
The ministries aim to modernise Germany's customs and federal criminal police, or BKA, among others by expanding their legal and technical capabilities and increasing their staff.
According to the BKA, organised crime remains one of the greatest threats to internal security, causing an estimated 2.64 billion euros ($3.1 billion) economic damage in 2024.
"We are ensuring that the investigating authorities hit the perpetrators where it hurts most: their money," Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said in a statement.
Faster Confiscation of Illicit Assets
The ministries aim to enable more rapid confiscation of assets from dubious sources, including cash, luxury cars and houses.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the BKA would get more staff, powers and enforcement authority. The plan also calls for joint data analysis centres and investigation teams between customs and the BKA to tackle money laundering and narcotics.
AI Tools and Cross‑Agency Data Access
Klingbeil said customs and BKA will be able to access each other's data and use artificial intelligence to identify perpetrators and sift through large volumes of information.
Roles of Federal and Local Police
While local police carry out routine policing and most crime investigations under laws set by each of the 16 federal states, federal police are responsible for border, rail and aviation security.
BKA’s National Investigative Mandate
The BKA acts as Germany's federal investigative authority, handling serious and organised crime with national and transnational scope, often coordinating complex cases that cross state or international borders.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig said organised crime undermines trust in the rule of law and must not be allowed to pay off, noting perpetrators should be swiftly identified, prosecuted and punished.
2024 Organised Crime Breakdown
The BKA reported that in 2024, illegal drug trafficking accounted for 40% of organised crime proceedings, or 259 out of 650 cases, while money laundering was involved in 146 cases for a total volume of around 230 million euros.
Exchange Rate Reference
($1 = 0.8488 euros)
(Reporting by Christian Kraemer, writing by Linda Pasquini, Editing by Kirsti Knolle and Hugh Lawson)
Key Takeaways
- •Germany will modernize federal security bodies, including customs and the BKA.
- •Authorities plan faster confiscation of illicit assets such as cash, cars and homes.
- •Customs and BKA will share data and deploy AI to identify suspects and analyze cases.
- •Joint data analysis centers and investigation teams will target money laundering and narcotics.
- •Staffing and legal powers for federal investigators will be expanded to counter organized crime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Germany seeks to enlist AI, modernise security bodies in fight against organised crime
1What is the main topic?
Germany plans to modernize its federal security agencies and use AI tools to combat organized crime. The effort targets money laundering, drug trafficking and financial offenses through stronger powers and data sharing.
2How will AI be used by authorities?
AI will help investigators analyze large datasets, cross-reference customs and BKA information, and flag suspicious networks or transactions. It is intended to accelerate case building and asset tracing.
3Which agencies are affected?
Germany’s customs authority and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) will gain staff, legal powers and shared access to data. They will also form joint analysis centers and investigation teams.
