Global Organised Crime Network Dismantled: 15 Arrested Across Four Countries

Umesh Dhakal
Canberra, Australia

A major international law enforcement operation targeting a global organised crime network has led to 15 arrests across Australia, Spain, Sweden and Thailand, authorities have confirmed.

The investigation, known as “Operation Candy,” began in November 2023 under the leadership of the Swedish Police Authority. The operation was launched after investigators conducted forensic analysis on two mobile phones seized from a suspected drug trafficker in a small town in Sweden.

Authorities said the devices contained encrypted messages, international contacts and financial transaction records, which exposed connections between several criminal groups involved in large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering across multiple countries. Specialists from Europol also played a key role in supporting the investigation.

Criminal Activities Across Multiple Countries

Investigators found that the criminal network was operating across several regions with different roles in the illicit supply chain.

In Sweden, members of the network allegedly ran domestic drug distribution operations while also managing a parallel money laundering system.

From Thailand, suspects are believed to have operated a large online drug sales network, targeting customers in the Nordic region.

Meanwhile, German authorities intercepted 1.2 tonnes of illicit drugs that were intended to be shipped to Australia. In Spain, investigators focused on a key suspect believed to be facilitating large-scale drug trafficking operations.

On 4 March 2026, coordinated raids were carried out simultaneously at around 20 locations across Spain, Sweden and Thailand.

The operation resulted in:

• 13 arrests overseas

• Targeting of key figures within the criminal network

• Seizure of assets worth approximately €4 million, including cash, luxury watches, jewellery, vehicles and a yacht

Investigation in Australia

When combined with earlier arrests in Australia in 2025, the total number of arrests linked to the operation has reached 15.

In Australia, the investigation was led by the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, which includes the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, and the Australian Border Force.

The investigation began after intelligence was received from German customs authorities, who discovered 1.2 tonnes of illicit drugs hidden inside two shipping containers that had been declared as road construction materials.

German authorities removed the drugs and allowed the containers to continue to Australia as part of a controlled operation.

After the containers arrived at the Port of Melbourne, Australian authorities replaced the drugs with inert material and conducted a controlled delivery under surveillance.

The shipment was eventually transported to a factory in Sunshine, Melbourne, where two men aged 32 and 52 were arrested.

Both men have been charged with attempting to import commercial quantities of drugs, and the case is currently before the courts.

Importance of International Cooperation

Authorities say the operation demonstrates the critical importance of international cooperation in tackling organised crime networks that operate across borders.

According to Eurojust, prosecutors and investigators from multiple countries worked together to coordinate legal strategies aimed at dismantling the criminal organisation.

Officials said the operation sends a clear message: criminal networks cannot hide behind technology, international borders or complex financial structures, as coordinated global law enforcement efforts will continue to expose and dismantle them.

Source: AFP / Media