Dear Member States of the United Nations,

We are writing to urgently address the escalating threat posed by organized fraud and to implore the adoption of a UN resolution as the crucial initial step toward a unified global response by member states.

Why is a UN resolution against organized fraud imperative?

In 2024, Interpol's estimations have revealed that emerging fraud, primarily fuelled by human trafficking, has ballooned into a staggering $3 trillion industry for organized criminal syndicates. Reports from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have disclosed that hundreds of thousands of individuals have been trafficked in scam compounds, coerced into perpetrating online financial fraud. Fraud has grown into one of the most pervasive crimes worldwide; in the UK alone, it constitutes 40% of reported crimes, with a significant portion orchestrated by criminals located abroad. As encountering online fraud becomes a universal experience, organized fraud is corroding the global economy, undermining the rule of law, compromising regional security, and devastating human lives on an unprecedented scale. The time has come for UN member states to acknowledge the magnitude and urgency of the threat posed by fraud and to unite in crafting a collective response.

One major obstacle in combatting fraud lies in the fact that many countries still treat fraud and scams as minor offenses warranting minimal punishment. Even when laws allow for the prosecution of fraud, the practical threshold for investigation and prosecution remains prohibitively high. Typically, only victims who have incurred substantial losses are granted state assistance in launching investigations. This disparity often stems from the uneven allocation of resources, with dedicated units such as homicide or counter-drug taking precedence over fraud or cybercrime units. A UN resolution universally acknowledging the severity of fraud could compel member states to reassess their resource allocation strategies, commensurate with the gravity and prevalence of organized fraud.

Another challenge stems from the misconception that online fraud is predominantly perpetrated by inexperienced, low-tech individuals, when in reality, it is increasingly orchestrated by sophisticated, organized criminals adept in psychology and technology. Traditionally, transnational criminal groups have engaged in lucrative activities such as trafficking illicit goods (drugs, weapons, wild animals) or services (sex, smuggling). However, organized fraud has emerged as a lucrative and lower-risk alternative, allowing criminals to target victims globally while operating from safe havens in regions with weak state capacities. A UN resolution could guide member states in investigating and prosecuting organized crime groups, equipping them to counter evolving criminal tactics effectively.

The third major hurdle lies in the fact that fraud operations are often concealed within weak states and orchestrated by multinational criminal networks, rendering national law enforcement agencies ill-equipped to address the root causes. While laws typically apply within a state's jurisdiction, effective cross-border collaboration channels are sorely lacking. A UN resolution could pave the way for member states to establish a robust framework for cross-border law enforcement collaboration, facilitating the dismantling of fraud networks at their source.

What will be the impact of this UN resolution?

A UN resolution against organized fraud will foster universal consensus and structured dialogue on combating online financial fraud, akin to previous initiatives addressing human trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Moreover, it will compel member states to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling fraud, encompassing the allocation of adequate resources, amendments to laws to ensure appropriate punishment for perpetrators, and the establishment of robust victim support systems.

Finally, it will facilitate deeper cross-border collaboration, enhancing existing channels for investigating financial crimes and money laundering. Particularly in an era where many law enforcement agencies still rely on outdated paper-based communication methods and are unfamiliar with combating crimes involving cryptocurrencies, a UN resolution addressing fraud would be a start to equip member states with the necessary tools to navigate cross-border investigations and prosecutions effectively.

What is the timeline?

Our demand is for member states to co-sponsor or show support in the creation of a UN resolution against organized fraud. Moreover, while a resolution represents a pivotal first step, we believe that a binding UN document on fraud is ultimately necessary, given the scale of the global threat. We acknowledge that garnering ample support from member states is pivotal to the success of this resolution and thus this letter. We strongly advocate for the adoption of a comprehensive UN resolution within one year.

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Reference:

Gangs netting up to $3 trillion a year as Southeast Asia human trafficking becomes a global crisis, Interpol says: ​​edition.cnn.com/2024/03/28/asia/southeast-asia-int...

Hundreds of thousands trafficked to work as online scammers in SE Asia, says UN report:

ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/08/hundreds-thous...

INTERPOL issues global warning on human trafficking-fueled fraud: interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2023/INTERPOL...

United Kingdom's National Crime Agency on Fraud: nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threat...