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UN: Southeast Asian crime syndicates exploit AI for global illicit economy

A United Nations report highlights the alarming growth of a global illicit economy fueled by Southeast Asian criminal networks leveraging advanced technology. These groups are using tools like artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and encrypted communications for widespread scams, drug trafficking, and exploitation, with estimated scam losses reaching up to $114.1 billion in 2025. The report also details the increasing risk to children, who are targeted for sexual exploitation and groomed through online platforms, and notes the expansion of trafficking in drugs, weapons, and wildlife across various regions. AI

IMPACT Highlights how AI and other technologies are enabling sophisticated global criminal enterprises, necessitating new cross-border enforcement strategies.

RANK_REASON Report from a major international body (UN) detailing significant global impact of organized crime using advanced technology. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.7]

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UN: Southeast Asian crime syndicates exploit AI for global illicit economy

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  1. Fortune TIER_1 English(EN) · The Associated Press ·

    U.N. reports Southeast Asia’s criminal networks are using tech to build a global illicit economy

    Scams caused an estimated $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in losses last year as criminal groups increasingly turned to AI, deepfakes, and cryptocurrency.