Police Chief Kraag joins Europol

Police chief Andy Kraag is moving to Europol. Kraag, currently deputy police chief of one of the two national police units, will take over the management of the European Centre for Serious and Organised Crime (ESOCC) at Europol on October 1, the police announced.

Kraag has been Deputy Police Chief of the National Expertise and Operations Unit (LX) since January this year and was also involved in the establishment and development of the new Surveillance, Security and Protection Unit. Before that, he was Head of the National Criminal Investigation Department and Operational Commander of the Special Operations Service for five years.

The police praise his successes during this time in the fight against international organized crime. “For example, he was involved in numerous arrests of leading figures in the criminal milieu. An important breakthrough was the investigation into the EncroChat case. These investigations led to numerous convictions and the discovery of the sensational torture container. He was also responsible for combating criminal communication services such as Exclu.”

Europol's European Centre for Combating Serious and Organised Crime supports EU Member States' investigations into serious and organised crime, such as international organised drug crime, corruption and human trafficking. Kraag says he could not pass up the opportunity at Europol. “In my new position, I will continue to work tirelessly for the security of the Netherlands and Europe.”

“It is also good that this important post in the joint fight against international crime is now occupied by the Netherlands,” said LX Police Chief Inge Godthelp-Teunissen in response to Kraag's departure.