In his opening remarks, the Acting Head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, pointed out that the world is facing a completely new type of fraud that requires global cooperation.
Fraud as a Transnational Threat
According to Brandolino, fraud has lost its local and primitive character.Today, it is a highly organized transnational activity that is evolving faster than law enforcement can respond.Criminal groups now operate across different jurisdictions, using cryptocurrencies and digital payment systems for instant transfers, as well as technologies that can reach millions of potential victims.
Particular concern is raised by the spread of "fraud factories" that exploit victims of human trafficking — these schemes are rapidly spreading worldwide.
The Need for Joint Efforts
Brandolino emphasized that the fight against such a complex criminal ecosystem is impossible without the involvement of all sectors, including technology companies, financial institutions, governments, and civil society. The summit, he said, aims to bring together expertise and create a more coordinated response to this issue.International legal instruments play a significant role in this fight, such as the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the new UN Convention on Cybercrime, which was opened for signature last year and has already received support from 74 states. These documents lay the groundwork for a joint fight against cyber fraud. The UNODC, with a network of field offices in over 100 countries, is ready to assist states in implementing these agreements by providing research, analytics, and technical support.
Over the two days of the summit, participants will discuss strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, aligning political, law enforcement, and technological approaches, raising awareness, as well as supporting and rehabilitating victims of fraud.
In concluding his speech, John Brandolino noted that the summit will mark the beginning of the formation of a long-term international strategy to combat fraud.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
