The Hidden Alliance: Unmasking the Links Between Organized Crime and Russian Influence Operations

Aspen Institute Central Europe and Progressive Analytical Centre has the pleasure to Invite you to the roundtable discussion

„The Hidden Alliance: Unmasking the Links Between Organized Crime and Russian Influence Operations“

This roundtable addresses the often-overlooked connection between organized crime—such as drug trafficking, tobacco smuggling, and human trafficking—and Russian influence operations aimed at shaping political outcomes, spreading disinformation, and bolstering Russia’s influence across the EU and its neighborhood. While significant attention has been paid to the spread of disinformation, there has been far less focus on the illicit networks that bolster these influence campaigns. EU regulatory policies, often restrictive, can inadvertently create the conditions for a „grey zone“ in which organized crime thrives, facilitating these destabilizing efforts. To understand the full scope of this issue, a thorough mapping of both the impact of European practices on the growth of organized crime and the ties between these criminal networks and Russian influence operations is essential.

The debate will also explore potential actions for the EU and its Member States, ranging from strategies to counter disinformation and Russian hybrid tactics to addressing the root causes of organized crime. Additionally, it will consider improvements in EU regulations to curb grey zone activities and better integrate harm-reduction principles to mitigate these risks. This discussion marks the first in a series of initiatives, with the ultimate goal of establishing an interdisciplinary task force. By doing so, we aim to strengthen our collective capacity to expose and disrupt the hidden alliances between organized crime and Russian influence, ensuring a more resilient and secure Europe.

The roundtable will be moderated by Tomáš Petříček, Ph.D.,

director of Progressive Analytical Centre

and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Date: 20th November 2024
Time: 16:00 – 17:30
Venue: Office of IBRIS,
al. Ujazdowskie 37 lok 3, 00-540 Warszawa

Please confirm your participation by 19th November to info@progresivnicentrum.eu.
We are looking for your contribution to the debate.