Archive · 22 Jul 2026
UN Report Highlights Southeast Asia's Criminal Expansion
A recent UN report highlights how criminal groups in Southeast Asia are using advanced technologies like AI to expand their illegal activities beyond the region.
These groups are involved in various types of crime, including scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and wildlife trafficking.
The report estimates that scams alone caused losses of $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in 2025.
One of the key findings is the threat to children from AI and online gaming, where hundreds of scam compounds in Southeast Asia are involved in sex trafficking and the sale of child sexual abuse content.
The report emphasizes the need for law enforcement agencies to adapt and use technology to combat these crimes effectively.
Southeast Asia-based criminal groups are using technology to expand their illicit economy beyond the region.
Scams caused estimated losses of $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in 2025.
Criminals are using AI to launder money and steal from victims worldwide.
The report highlights the threat to children from AI and online gaming.
Law enforcement agencies face challenges in combating cybercrime due to the use of advanced technologies by criminals.
- Who
- Southeast Asia-based criminal groups
- What
- Expansion of transnational crime using technology
- When
- 2025
- Where
- Southeast Asia and beyond
- Why
- To build a rapidly growing illicit economy and cause significant financial losses
Technological Advancements in Law Enforcement
Challenges in Combating Cybercrime
Use of AI and Technology
Technological Advancements in Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies are leveraging AI and advanced technologies to track and combat cybercrime more effectively.
Challenges in Combating Cybercrime
Criminals are using the same technologies to outpace law enforcement, making it difficult to keep up.
Global Cooperation
Technological Advancements in Law Enforcement
International cooperation and information sharing can help in tracking and prosecuting cybercriminals across borders.
Challenges in Combating Cybercrime
Differences in legal systems and jurisdictions make it challenging to coordinate efforts and bring criminals to justice.
- Report Author
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- Estimated Losses from Scams
- $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in 2025
- Key Finding
- Threat to children from AI and online gaming
- UNODC Regional Representative
- Delphine Schantz
- UNODC Researcher
- Inshik Sim