PKK/YPG terror group involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling in Europe, Europol reports

Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, reported Thursday that the PKK/YPG terrorist organization is engaged in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling across Europe, generating millions of euros in revenue.

The 2024 EU Terrorism Situation and Trends Report highlighted the ongoing activities of ethno-nationalist and separatist terrorist groups, including the PKK/YPG, within the EU.

The report stated that PKK/YPG members and cells in EU countries continue fundraising, recruitment, training, and propaganda efforts throughout the year.

“Most of the funds raised for the PKK/YPG are believed to come from seemingly legitimate activities, such as donations, events, membership fees, and sales of goods and media products, as well as from criminal activities like extortion, fraud, racketeering, money laundering, and drug trafficking,” the report noted.

Europol’s findings show that the PKK/YPG collects millions of euros annually through “campaigns” across Europe, using the funds to finance propaganda efforts and recruit new terrorists.

Media outlet used by terror group for propaganda

The report also noted the group’s propaganda activities, particularly targeting Kurdish youth, through activists, journalists, websites, TV, social media, and print media. “Some of the media outlets used by the PKK/YPG to spread its propaganda are based in the EU,” the report said.

The document further mentioned evidence that the PKK/YPG is abducting individuals to either send them to conflict zones or use them in terrorist cells within the EU.

In 2023, EU law enforcement agencies conducted 25 arrests related to separatist terrorism, nine of which targeted PKK members.

​​​​​​​In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terror organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 victims, including women, children, infants and the elderly.

The YPG is the PKK’s offshoot in Syria, an area where the group has tried to establish a terror corridor threatening Türkiye along its border.