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

A United Nations report reveals that Southeast Asian criminal networks are leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and cryptocurrency to build a global illicit economy. The report estimates that scams caused between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion in losses last year. These criminal groups are increasingly using sophisticated digital tools to expand their operations beyond traditional boundaries, creating a transnational threat. The findings highlight the growing challenge for law enforcement and international cooperation in combating tech-enabled organized crime.