Transnational Crime and Technology

Supporting policy development, research and capacity building to prepare Bali Process Member States for emerging technologies and their potential abuse by transnational organised crime.

The Challenge

As new technologies emerge, transnational organised crime groups are often among the first to integrate these technologies into their operations. To prevent such abuses, it is vital that law enforcement and policymakers are supported by forward looking policy development and capacity building efforts, allowing governments to proactively prepare their responses to new and emerging technologies before transnational organised crime groups exploit them.

The convergence of technology and transnational crime is particularly prominent in the context of trafficking in persons and people smuggling:

Criminal networks exploit social media and online platforms for victim recruitment, service advertisement, and operational coordination.
The use of fake identities and anonymous accounts on these platforms has facilitated the cross-border operations of traffickers while evading detection by law enforcement.
As social media, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies become more pervasive, the linkages between transnational organised crime, irregular migration, and technology continue to deepen, rapidly transforming the landscape of counter-trafficking in persons and people smuggling efforts.

Technology also offers significant opportunities for countering human trafficking:

Advancements in technology have paved the way for more seamless cross-border law enforcement coordination, as well as the more efficient sharing of information, intelligence, and best practices.
Additionally, technology has led to the development of innovative software that can help identify traffickers online and detect trafficking patterns. These tools empower law enforcement agencies and organisations to more proactively target and disrupt trafficking networks.

People walking inside a airport terminal

Transnational Crime and Technology Programme Objectives

To develop the capacity of law enforcement and policymakers to understand and effectively respond to emerging technologies with the potential to be abused by human traffickers, people smugglers and transnational organised criminals.
To facilitate discussion and the development of innovative ways of working related to countering trafficking in persons and people smuggling stemming from emerging technologies amongst law enforcement, border officers, policy makers and technology companies, including working with Bali Process Member States to proactively assess which emerging technologies are at the highest risk of abuse.
To identify regional priorities in terms of technology and trafficking and taking steps to define these priorities alongside a strategy for response.
To support Bali Process Member States to respond to emergent challenges and crises stemming from new technologies and technologies being used in novel ways to facilitate trafficking in persons or people smuggling.
To mainstream anti-corruption programming as a means of address trafficking in persons and people smuggling.

Trapped in Deceit: A Sand Art Performance

The RSO worked with Thailand-based sand artist Kongkait Kongchandee and A21 – a non-profit organisation dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery, and an individual with a lived experience from being trafficked into an online scam centre to develop this short sand art performance.

The performance tells a story of one man—who was deceived by what appeared to be a genuine job advert and recommendation from a friend, but was then forced to work in an online scam centre—trapped in a compound overseas and carrying out scams online against a backdrop of threats and violence.

Once rescued and reunited with his family, this individual was supported by A21 through specialist services—ranging from support rebuilding career confidence, to accessing justice. The performance illustrates the life-changing nature of these experiences which leave long-term damage and marks on individuals.

RSO Partnership with INTERPOL in support of Operation Storm Makers II sees 149 trafficking victims rescued, 281 arrested

The Regional Support Office of the Bali Process (RSO) supported INTERPOL’s Operation Storm Makers II – the first INTERPOL operation specifically to focus on combatting trafficking in persons into online scam centres. The operation, which involved coordination between law enforcement from 27 countries, resulted in 281 arrests, 149 victims of trafficking being rescued and 360 investigations.