Transnational organized crime is accelerating and developing, posing a grave threat to international stability and security. Criminal networks are exploiting new technologies and partnerships to compete for highly lucrative illicit markets.

In a geopolitically volatile world, organized criminals are colluding with states to carry out anything from cyberattacks, sabotage and contract killings to sanctions evasion, trading in critical minerals and sourcing semiconductors. Crime levels are rising and threatening global security, yet organized crime continues to be treated narrowly as a law enforcement issue. As a result, approaches to disrupting organized crime remain fragmented, reactive and under-resourced.

This round table will identify emerging ways to deter and disrupt transnational organized crime, including how international and regional organizations, governments, civil society and the private sector are working together and building resilience. Co-hosted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), and the Igarapé Institute, the discussion will examine the rapidly changing organized crime threat, its intersections with conflict and terrorism, and the increasing political instrumentalization of criminal networks. Panelists will also explore how the UN system, INTERPOL, states and civil society are prepared – or otherwise – to develop a global response to one of the most serious threats to security, governance and development today.

Speakers:

• Ghada Waly, Executive Director, UNODC
• Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director, EUROPOL
• Darrin Jones, Executive Director, Partnerships and Planning, INTERPOL
• Mark Shaw, Director, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime
• Moderator: Robert Muggah, Co-Founder, Igarapé Institute, SecDev and Robert Bosch-Fellow

Reactions and reflections

• Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain
• Daniella Misail-Nichitin, Minister of Internal Affairs, Moldova
• Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peru
• Arnaldo André Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Costa Rica
• Misha Glenny, Rector, IWM and author of McMafia