Over the past decade, Europol has assisted Member States with operational task forces, coordinated action days and intelligence sharing to tackle migrant smuggling. These efforts contributed to identifying key suspects, dismantling networks and supporting cross-border investigations. ECAMS builds on this foundation but introduces a centralised structure with enhanced analytical capabilities, a stronger focus on digital investigations, and dedicated resources to follow the financial flows of smuggling networks.

The new centre is designed to improve coordination across EU Member States and international partners. By combining data from national authorities with advanced analytical tools, ECAMS enables investigators to map criminal networks, identify facilitators and prioritise high-risk targets. It also addresses the growing use of digital platforms by smugglers, including social media and encrypted communications, and supports investigations into the networks' financial aspects. Overall, ECAMS aims to provide a more coordinated, data-driven and cross-border response to migrant smuggling.

For further details about ECAMS, please visit this page.