Law enforcement authorities from 28 countries join forces to tackle decentralised extremist networks.
In its first year of operation, Project Compass has delivered concrete operational results against “The Com”, a decentralised extremist network targeting minors and vulnerable individuals both online and offline.
Coordinated by Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre, the initiative brings together law enforcement authorities from EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The project strengthens cross-border cooperation to prevent, detect and investigate the criminal activities linked to this network.
The Com operates across a fragmented online ecosystem, using social media platforms, messaging applications, online gaming environments and music streaming platforms to recruit, radicalise and exploit young people. Its decentralised structure makes it particularly agile and difficult to disrupt, requiring sustained international coordination.
Operational results
Since January 2025, Project Compass has contributed to:
- 4 victims safeguarded
- 30 perpetrators arrested
- 62 identified and partially identified victims
- 179 identified and partially identified perpetrators
- 9 joint awareness-raising activities
The project enables coordinated investigations, rapid responses to emerging threats and structured operational information exchange between 28 countries.
Anna Sjöberg
Head of Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre
These networks deliberately target children in the digital spaces where they feel most at ease. Project Compass allows us to intervene earlier, safeguard victims and disrupt those who exploit vulnerability for extremist purposes. No country can address this threat alone – and through this cooperation, we are closing the gaps they try to hide in.
Supporting the EU Agenda on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism
Project Compass contributes directly to the EU Agenda on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism, which aims to anticipate threats, prevent radicalisation, protect people and ensure swift, coordinated responses. By reinforcing cross-border operational cooperation, the initiative strengthens resilience against both digital and physical threats, protecting citizens and European values.
Further information
Europol has published an intelligence notification on the rise of violent online communities dedicated to the serious harm of children.
You can stay informed about developments under Project Compass by subscribing to Europol’s email alerts.
