The evolution of transnational organized crime: the global situation and role of Southeast Asia from the drug trade to scam centres

Transnational organized crime groups globally are evolving, scaling and innovating at an unprecedented pace, and Southeast Asia is in many respects ground zero for many of these changes.

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Unprecedented profits from the regional drug trade in the middle 2010s led to diversification and investment in casinos and later cybercrime and scams, and we are now in a period of further reinvestment.

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The response to organized crime both globally and here in Southeast Asia has traditionally been led by law enforcement and criminal justice authorities, but the limits of this approach have become increasingly clear. Many governments and regional and international institutions are starting to see organized crime as a threat to national and economic security, and they are beginning to discuss and respond more strategically.

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‍So what is the latest, and what can be done to disrupt organized crime? Or is it too late? How can governments, regions and international partners come together and respond?

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Panelists:

Jeremy Douglas, deputy director of operations and former UNODC chief of staff

John Wojcik, senior threat researcher Asia, Infoblox

Bhanubhatra Jittiang, Thailand representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights

Moderator: Panu Wongcha-um, FCCT president and Reuters senior correspondent

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Members who wish to book in advance should email info@fccthai.com or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580.

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Non-members can use this link.