Emerging technologies are transforming the landscape of transnational crime, enabling criminal networks to scale up their operations and expand their reach. From trafficking in persons to cyber-scams and the illicit movement of proceeds, critical technologies are being exploited to facilitate criminal activities with often devastating consequences.
In response to these developments, the Regional Support Office of the Bali Process (RSO) took part in ‘Organized Crime, Critical Technologies and Their Impact in Southeast Asia and Beyond,’ a side event to the 33rd Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) organised by The Australian Government and supported by The Governments of the Republic of Indonesia and the Philippines, the RSO and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC).
You can watch a full recording of the side event here:
The panel discussion included a range of experts from across law enforcement, Government and the private sector, including:
- Briony Daley Whitworth, Director, Cyber & Tech Multilateral Engagement Section, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Kristina Amerhauser, Senior Analyst, GI-TOC
- Jhehan Septiano B.L., Investigator, Directorate of Cyber Crime Investigation, Indonesian National Police
- Ryan Winch, Transnational Crime and Technology Programme Manager, RSO, the Bali Process
- Angel S. Averia, jr. President, Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PHCERT)
- Dr Prakash Christiansen, CEO of Vulsan X Corp, a cyber defense organisation.
- Helena Huang Yixin, Associate Research Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)
Throughout the discussion, critical technologies such as social media, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence were discussed as tools that organised crime groups have successfully adopted and implemented to support more efficient and more effective criminal operations. Panellists discussed potential responses, including capacity building for law enforcement, updated policies and regulations, as well ramping up private sector engagement.
The RSO’s presentation focused on the use of social media to facilitate the operations of cyber-scam centres.
“The convergence of these technologies are allowing the cyber-scam centres around the world to grow in scale and effectiveness,” emphasised Ryan Winch, Transnational Crime and Technology Programme Manager at the RSO. “To combat this, the private sector and law enforcement need to work jointly in a manner that identifies the issues arising from these technological advancements while also increasing the capacity to react and respond in a swift and comprehensive manner.”
