In his opening speech, John Brandolino, Acting Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), noted that the world is facing a new type of fraud that requires coordinated action at the international level.
Organized International Fraud
John Brandolino emphasized that fraud is no longer a local or low-tech crime.Today, it is a highly organized activity that spans multiple countries and evolves faster than law enforcement can respond.Criminal groups operate across different jurisdictions and use cryptocurrencies and digital payment systems for the rapid movement of funds, as well as technologies that allow them to reach millions of potential victims.
UNODC is particularly concerned about the spread of "fraud factories" that exploit victims of human trafficking, which has become a new trend in various regions.
Joint Efforts to Address the Issue
Brandolino noted that combating such a complex ecosystem of fraud is impossible without the involvement of all sectors – from governments to the private sector and the public. This is why the summit has become an important platform for sharing experiences and developing a coordinated global response.International legal mechanisms play a key role in this fight, such as the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the new UN Convention on Cybercrime, signed by 74 countries. These documents lay the foundation for joint actions against cyber fraud. With a network of field offices in over 100 countries, UNODC is ready to assist in implementing these agreements by providing research, analytics, training, and technical support.
Over the course of two days, summit participants will discuss strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, synchronizing policy, law enforcement, and technological approaches, raising awareness, and supporting victims of fraud.
In conclusion of his speech, John Brandolino emphasized that the summit could serve as a starting point for developing a long-term international strategy against fraud.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
