Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

⛓️💥 Our aim is to disrupt criminal activity and illicit markets. 📚 Our research is used by governments, business, organizations and many others trying to make communities safer. 🌐 Our presence worldwide is extended and growing. There is a lot of work to be done. But, together, we can build a safer future for all 🤝

🇰🇵 On 12 February 2025, North Korea reopened to visitors after five years of isolation. Nine days later, it allegedly pulled off the biggest cryptocurrency heist in history—and closed its borders again. From online scams and illegal gambling to laundering billions through crypto platforms, North Korea has become a global cybercrime powerhouse—fuelled by state-backed operations and transnational criminal alliances. 👉 Read our latest analysis on how the world’s most sanctioned country keeps the money flowing: https://buff.ly/n0Fpjmk

⚓ "Resistir en el mar es un acto de valentía." Desde la Bahía de Santa María hasta Altata, las comunidades pesqueras de Sinaloa han enfrentado el impacto del crimen organizado, el desplazamiento y la violencia. Sin embargo, entre estas mareas turbulentas, han surgido historias de resistencia, coraje y liderazgo. 📌 Historias de pescadores que no han dejado que la adversidad les robe su oficio. 📌 Mujeres que han levantado cooperativas en un mundo donde se les dijo que no podían. 📌 Jóvenes que se aferran a sus estudios, soñando con un futuro mejor. Este proyecto, realizado en colaboración con la Red de Resiliencia y #GIResilience, es más que memoria: es un recordatorio de que la resiliencia es la mayor riqueza de estas comunidades. 📖 Descubre sus testimonios aquí: 🔗

📨 Our newsletter for this month is here! 🔎 Check out what we've been working on and what's coming up next ⤵️

Combat stress. Chronic pain. Insomnia. Grief. All gateways to substance use among Ukrainian soldiers 🪖 While military policy forbids all drug use, the reality is more complicated. Survey data shows frequent use of cannabis, amphetamines and prescription meds like pregabalin and nalbuphine. Alcohol is even more widespread. Understanding the human motivations behind this behaviour – and the contradictions in policy – is key to supporting veterans and safeguarding society. 📘 Read the full brief: https://buff.ly/9gYEvy9 #PublicHealth #Veterans #Ukraine #OrganizedCrime #SecurityPolicy

This week in Chihuahua, Mexico 🇲🇽, our Resilience Dialogues had a very special guest. Meet Nala — not just an emotional support dog for activist Norma Jacqueline Islas, but also a certified human rights defender and an official member of the CDHM. Norma’s organization provides psychosocial support to victims of organized crime violence. She says that Nala’s presence helps create a more inclusive and calming space — where people feel safer and more open to share. Learn more about the Resilience Fund and our work: https://buff.ly/PikUByl

📢 🌱 Funding alert: Two grant opportunities! 🌍 We’re excited to announce two open calls for proposals under the ECO-SOLVE initiative: 🌿 Community Grants in Vietnam (€10K-€20K) Supporting grassroots efforts to combat environmental crime like illegal logging, fishing & wildlife trafficking. 👉Deadline: April 7. 🌿 AI Innovation Grants (€50K-€125K) Funding cutting-edge AI solutions to strengthen law enforcement responses against environmental crime. Open to applicants in priority countries. 👉 Deadline: April 14. These grants aim to empower local communities and leverage technology for a more sustainable future. 🔗 Apply here: https://buff.ly/9ihQVXi #Grants #AIforGood #Sustainability #EnvironmentalJustice #Innovation #FundingOpportunity

💻🕵️ The intersection of AI and cybercrime is evolving fast. How are threat actors weaponizing AI? In this episode of Geocriminality, we sit down with Robert Sheldon, Senior Director of Public Policy & Strategy at CrowdStrike, to explore: 🤖 How AI is being used to enhance cyber threats ⚠️ The risks businesses and governments need to prepare for 🔐 What strategies can help mitigate AI-powered cybercrime Watch now: https://lnkd.in/eMHhU8X8 #Geocriminality #Cybercrime #AI #ThreatIntelligence #Geopolitics

🔎 How have criminal groups from the Western Balkans become key players in the global cocaine trade? Join us for the launch of the report "Cocaine Connections: Links between the Western Balkans and South America," where experts Fatjona Mejdini, Sasa Djordjevic, and Renato Rivera will explore: 🔹 The evolution and alliances of these networks 🔹 Their operational routes and trafficking strategies 🔹 The impact of their presence in South America 🔹 Strategic recommendations to counter their influence 📅 1 April 2025 | ⏰ 2 PM CET Register now: https://lnkd.in/eKcdBxYi Felipe Botero #OrganizedCrime #CocaineTrade #GI_TOC #WesternBalkans #SouthAmerica

🇩🇪 In 2021, Hamburg saw Europe’s largest-ever cocaine seizure—16 tonnes. But what started as a major drug bust has now uncovered alarming levels of organized corruption within Germany’s justice system. A lead state prosecutor is awaiting trial for allegedly leaking classified information to drug traffickers, including the Hells Angels, in exchange for bribes. This case is not an isolated incident: recent arrests of police officers and officials suggest a systemic issue linked to the booming cocaine trade. Germany ranks 15th in Transparency International’s Corruption Index, yet the country’s institutions may be more vulnerable than perceived. With organized crime networks expanding their reach, will Germany take urgent action to protect its justice system? Read the full analysis here: https://buff.ly/QqHdJdi #OrganizedCrime #Corruption #Germany #JusticeSystem