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This news item continues the regular overview of EPPO’s operational activities for the period from mid-July to mid-October 2022 (for previous overviews → eucrim 2/2022, 97-98; eucrim 1/2022, 17-18; and eucrim 4/2021, 210-211).

On 24 October 2022, a working arrangement between the EPPO and the State Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of North Macedonia was signed. aims at facilitating judicial cooperation in criminal matters and the exchange of information when it comes to the prosecution of crimes against the EU budget.

On 7 October 2022, Frontex released its Risk Analysis for 2022/2023, a comprehensive report presenting the situation at the EU’s external borders and the future challenges for the European border management community.

On 17 October 2022, the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights published the annual report for the year 2021. The report outlines the main observations and recommendations that the Forum raised throughout the year with Frontex to strengthen fundamental rights protection in Frontex activities.

On 14 October 2022, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) published general guidance offering assistance to EU Member States in setting up independent mechanisms to monitor fundamental rights compliance at the EU's external borders.

In a joint investigation between Spanish authorities, Europol, and Eurojust, Europe’s allegedly biggest "narco-bank" was taken down at the end of September 2022. The "bank", which had been active since 2020, provided financial services to criminal organisations linked to drug trafficking in over twenty countries.

After media leaks of an OLAF report on misconducts in relation to Frontex's operational activities, the Agency reacted on 14 October 2022, clarifying the state of play of remedial measures.

Despite efforts to address criticism of its activities, financial and personal management, and transparency policy, Frontex was unable to convince MEPs to take a favourable discharge decision on Frontex's 2020 accounts. MEPs refused the discharge on 18 October 2022, arguing, inter alia, that there are still structural problems which must be solved.

A Europol report entitled "Policing in the metaverse: what law enforcement needs to know" explains the potential of criminal activities within the metaverse and the potential for law enforcement to make use of the metaverse and its related technology.

Social media, dating platforms, advertising and aid platforms, forums and messaging applications, and other online platforms are often "hijacked" by criminals involved in human trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation. On 6 September 2022, a joint action day involving more than 20 countries, and supported …