15th UN Crime Congress: Plenary meeting 9 – 29 September 2026

Distinguished delegates, good afternoon. I will call to order the ninth meeting. Before we proceed with agenda item 5, we will first give the floor to distinguished representative of Sri Lanka, who will make a statement under agenda item 4. While Committee II will begin its consideration of Workshop 4 entitled, "Turning the Digital Age into an Opportunity: Promoting the Responsible Use of Technologies in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice." I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.

Mr. President, On behalf of the delegation of Sri Lanka, I extend our warm congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. We also express our appreciation to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Secretariat and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for the successful organization of this important Congress. Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Group of 77 and China and the Asia-Pacific Group and wishes to make the following observations in its national capacity. Sri Lanka welcomes the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration as an important roadmap for Member States and other stakeholders in preventing and combating crime. We reaffirm the importance of respecting the principles of sovereign equality, non-intervention and territorial integrity, while recognizing the close and mutually reinforcing relationship between sustainable development, crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law. Sri Lanka greatly values its long-standing cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and recognizes the important contribution of the United Nations Crime Congresses to strengthening national, regional, and international cooperation in crime prevention and criminal justice. Mr. President, the main theme of the Congress, accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law, protecting people, and planned and achieving the 2030 agenda for sustainable development in the digital age, encompasses the urgency of the major challenges the world faces before the 2030 deadline in the field of crime prevention, strengthening the rule of law, as well as criminal justice systems and instances, the rapid scale and evolution of cybercrime and technological exploitation highlight the digital gap that still divides developed and developing countries in infrastructure, knowledge, capable human resources, digital forensics, and the financial resources needed to upgrade the national institutions fighting crime and promoting criminal justice. At the same time, developing countries continue to face challenges arising from economic and financial pressures, climate risks, armed conflicts, and geopolitical uncertainties. These challenges require stronger international cooperation and greater support for national capacities. Sri Lanka has been working diligently to address these challenges through a comprehensive national strategy to prevent and combat organized crime, built around the key pillars: preventing criminal infiltration, pursuing organized criminal groups and their illicit proceeds, protecting affected individuals and communities, and strengthening national, regional, and international partnerships. This approach promotes people-centered and evidence-based crime prevention and justice, equal access to justice, digital governance, transparency, and accountability. Mr. President, Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the international community to address emerging and evolving challenges in crime prevention and criminal justice, and to advancing the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. I thank you.

Thank you very much. Distinguished delegates, We have now concluded consideration of agenda item 4. The item is now closed. Distinguished delegates, I invite the Congress to start the consideration of agenda item 5, entitled Addressing and Countering Crime. including organized crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in new, emerging and revolving forms. For its consideration of item 5, the Congress has before it the following documents: Working paper prepared by the Secretariat on addressing and countering crime, including organized crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in new, emerging and evolving forms. Background paper on workshop on getting ahead, strengthen data collection and analysis to better protect people and planet in times of new, emerging and evolving forms of crime. discussion guide for the 15th Congress on crime prevention and criminal justice. Reports of the regional preparatory meetings for the 15th Congress. I have different things stated here. I now give the floor to Alejandro Mata crime prevention and criminal justice officer, who will introduce item 5. Mr. Mata, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, transnational organized crime, terrorism, and emerging criminal phenomena continue to threaten international stability, security, and development. These threats are evolving faster than many Member States' capacity to respond, driven by technological transformation, geopolitical instability and increasingly porous boundaries between criminal activities. Since the 14th Congress, the criminal landscape has undergone profound transformations. The challenges facing Member States today include accelerating technological change, blurred lines between criminal activities, and hybrid threats that demand innovative solutions. With near universal adherence to the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, Member States have demonstrated a strong commitment to this shared legal framework, yet implementation gaps and emerging challenges persist. Item 5 invites this Congress to reflect on two essential questions: Where do we stand regarding the challenges encountered and the needs to be addressed, and where should our collective efforts be directed. Organized criminal groups now master sophisticated technologies at unprecedented scale. Artificial intelligence automates criminal operations, from phishing campaigns to large-scale cyber attacks, enabling criminals to reach more victims with fewer resources. The dark web facilitates illicit markets. Encrypted communications protect criminal conspiracies. 3D printing poses risk of decentralized weapon production. Terrorist groups similarly exploit digital platforms for recruitment and radicalization. Artificial intelligence is misused to create propaganda through deep fakes. Gaming platforms and online financial services are weaponized for fundraising and operational logistics, often outpacing regulatory and law enforcement response. A defining feature of modern crime is its interconnected nature. Terrorist organizations increasingly partner with transnational organized criminal groups, leveraging smuggling networks and financing mechanisms. This convergence, crime as a service, creates hybrid threats, blurring traditional distinctions. Countries must address organized crime, corruption, and terrorism not in isolation, but as an integrated challenge. Organized crime is becoming more complex, intersecting with corruption, trafficking in person, illicit drug markets, and crime that affect the environment. These crimes are polycriminal, connected through shared supply chains and criminal networks. Drug trafficking alone constitutes the bulk of income generated by organized criminal groups globally. Several emerging phenomena warrant attention. Organized fraud continues to evolve in scale and sophistication, requiring international, interregional, and interagency cooperation and shape by emerging technologies. Crime that affect the environment, from illegal logging to wildlife trafficking, accelerate and undermine sustainable development and the rule of law. Trafficking in cultural property funds both terrorism and organized crime. Cybercrime, including ransomware, online child sexual abuse, and virtual asset-related crimes, demand comprehensive international framework. The recent adoption of the UN Convention against Cybercrime represents a crucial normative development at the international level, with member states now embarking on its signature ratification and implementation. These issues cut across all these domains. First, electronic evidence. Criminal networks rely on encrypted communications and cloud-based services spanning multiple jurisdictions. Securing this evidence while protecting privacy and due process requires strengthening legal frameworks, regional cooperation protocols, and specialist capabilities. Second, financial flows. Money laundering and terrorism financing drive organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. Terrorist groups exploit diverse channels, such as digital finance, mobile money, professional service providers, to manage large financial assets that increase their influence and operational capacity. yet investigation and prosecution of these financial crimes remain weak in many jurisdictions. Virtual assets and cryptocurrencies introduce new complexities, though financial linkages often offer the most direct path to detection and disruption. Third, capacity and cooperation. Responding to these challenges requires sustained investment in specialized skills, from digital forensics to financial intelligence, and robust mechanisms to international for international cooperation, information sharing, and mutual legal assistance. As reflected in the working paper, there are recommendations for member states consideration. Drawing on these recommendations, the international community is called to focus on several key questions. How can member states leverage the convention on transnational organized crime as a comprehensive framework for addressing new and evolving threats and promote the widest possible use of the convention as a legal basis for international cooperation? What capacity building investments are most urgent? Which legal framework gaps must be closed? How to strengthen analytical and technical assistance capacities to examine intersections between organized crime, corruption, and terrorism? How to strengthen international cooperation and foster partnerships between law enforcement and the private sector, particularly financial institutions and technology companies? How do we ensure counter-terrorism and counter-crime responses are grounded in the rule of law, respect human rights and maintain public trust? The criminal threats facing Member States are dynamic, transnational and increasingly interlinked. No single country can address them alone. This Congress offers an opportunity for Member States to take stock collectively and commit to evidence-based, coordinated responses that are both operationally effective and grounded in the rule of law and respect for human rights. The working paper prepared by the Secretariat provides detailed analysis of these trends and proposes elements for consideration. It is hoped that the deliberations of this Congress will assist member states in identifying effective practices, addressing critical gaps in legal frameworks and capacity, strengthening international cooperation, and charting a clear path forward. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. I would also like to remind delegations that substantive item five was discussed together with workshop three entitled Getting Ahead. strengthening data collection analysis to better protect people and planet in times of new emerging and evolving forms of crime. As Committee 1 concluded its consideration of workshop three this morning, I would like to invite Tanya work from the United Nations Secretariat to inform the plenary about the most salient points of the workshop So in which I discussion on agenda item five. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It's my honor to be able to summarize for you this afternoon the deliberations, or rather discussions that we had for workshop three, which has been noted was about particularly around data collection and analysis. Your workshop was organized by ourselves, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in cooperation with the Thailand Institute of Justice. It was a two-part meeting, and the first of those meetings, we looked at the different data sources in order to detect trends and patterns in crime and inform responses to these new, emerging, and evolving forms of crime. In particular, as examples of this, in the first session, a analysts contributed around crime such as wildlife trafficking, as well as trafficking in persons for the purposes of labour exploitation, and trafficking in cultural artifacts. In the second meeting that happened this morning, we looked at international standards of data governance, communication among data analysts and policymakers, as well as international cooperation. bit more detail about the meeting. In general, the workshop, it emphasized that data sources, collection, and analysis are a complex space. And it's important for us to advance the standards of data collection and analysis, as well as to harness the ethical use of technology to support our efforts in this area. We discussed around better data can lead to improved law enforcement responses and larger responses by the criminal justice system, as well as improved policies related to law enforcement and criminal justice. And while there are different capacities and challenges in this space, there is the shared need globally for international cooperation to gather and utilize official crime statistics and other forms of data. In particular, the focus around utilization is that it's wonderful to collect all of this data, but we really need to use it to make these improvements and to set priorities for where our limited resources can be used. The workshop emphasized that the knowledge and experience that were gained over the few hours provide a foundation for practical approaches that respond to national and regional needs that are people-centered. I'll just say a bit more about a few of the highlights over the course of the workshop. As I mentioned, the first session focused around data sources, and we started off by looking at administrative records from criminal justice institutions. These were acknowledged as being indispensable to monitor the functioning of criminal justice institutions, including law enforcement. And there's a long history of using these, and they do continue to be valuable. In addition to those, though, we have other data collection methods at our disposal. Crime victimization surveys are designed in line with global standards. We're considered as complementary to these administrative records, particularly since they measure victimization experiences, perceptions of safety, trust in institutions, as well as reasons for not reporting crimes. So the Other types of data tell us something that official crime statistics don't necessarily share with us. In terms of standardization, several of the participants mentioned around the international classification of crime for statistical purposes, which is we at UNODC and the Research and Trend Analysis Branch are the -- those that collect this data every few years from all of the member states. And we do have guidelines that implement that. It was also emphasized that stronger crime and criminal justice data systems require the use of minimum common standards, which the ICCS, this classification system, can provide. And this needs to be coordinated across different institutions. In the second part of the day, we talked about, well, what happens when there aren't official crime statistics? So the absence of these, we turn to more untraditional kinds of methods. And this could be around open source intelligence and transactions of the private sector. So we did acknowledge there's a lot of data actors that are not just official, civil society, academia as well. And turning to today, the discussion, we focus more on foresight. So using statistics to actually look more forward, mentioning around what I said earlier in terms of can it help to prioritize, can it help to predict? So not only looking at the past trends, but looking forward. In this space, we also need to establish some sort of data governance frameworks, so policies, standards, roles, responsibilities of the data producers so that we can all have a common standard so that we are producing data that's usable across all of our data users. The question was raised on how countries with different levels of statistical maturity could implement comprehensive data governance arrangements. was noted that budget is really secondary to building trust in institutions and identifying key individuals with sufficient knowledge in this space. And during the discussion, it was highlighted that international cooperation is increasingly important in a world where crime is not restricted by international boundaries. And I'll just end with the final final point of the exchange of information and the regular production of high quality, reliable statistics are key elements in better understanding local, regional and global trends. And as I say, leveraging this data so that we can prioritize and improve upon the situation that is currently as it is. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much. The floor is now open for discussion on item 5, and I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana.

Madam President, Ghana recognizes the evolving and multifaceted nature of crime, including organized crime and terrorism, which threaten global security and development. As a nation situated in a region vulnerable to transnational organized crime and radicalization, Ghana is committed to addressing these challenges through comprehensive strategies that emphasize prevention, resilience, and international cooperation. Madam President, organized crime in West Africa, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism financing, pose significant risks to governance and development. Ghana has taken proactive measures to counter these threats by enhancing law enforcement capabilities and fostering regional collaborative efforts with neighboring countries. These efforts include partnerships with neighboring states, focusing on intelligence sharing and joint operations to dismantle criminal networks. Additionally, Ghana's collaboration with international partners under the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel Program has strengthened our ability to monitor and intercept terrorist movements using advanced data systems. Ghana prioritizes community engagement as a cornerstone of its crime prevention strategy. Through community policing initiatives, we empower local populations to collaborate with law enforcement in identifying and mitigating criminal activities. Moreover, youth empowerment programs that provide vocational training and leadership development are critical in reducing vulnerability to radicalization and criminal behavior. Madam President, the role of technology in combating emerging forms of crime cannot be overstated. Cybercrime and other technologically advanced criminal activities require robust data collection and analysis systems. Ghana advocates for the establishment of a unified database for law enforcement agencies to enhance coordination and information sharing. This approach will enable timely responses to new threats while upholding human rights principles. Ghana's Cybersecurity Act of 2020, Act 1038, and the bill seeking to amend it, will address emerging cyber threats. We are also enhancing judicial capacity through training programs on electronic evidence and cybercrime prosecution. Our commitment was further displayed when we joined 71 other countries to sign the historic United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam in October last year. For us, this reaffirms our national commitment to upholding digital trust, protecting citizens online, and working with international partners to build resilience against evolving cyber threats. Madam President, addressing the root causes of crime is essential for long-term solutions. Ghana emphasizes economic development, social inclusion, and education as tools for building resilient societies. By creating opportunities for our youth and promoting a culture of peace and tolerance, we aim to reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies and organized crime networks. Furthermore, gender sensitive approaches are integrated into our national security strategies to address crimes such as gender-based violence that undermines societal stability. Ghana reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation in combating organized crime and terrorism. We call for enhanced global partnerships to close legal gaps that hinder counterterrorism efforts, and support a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Strengthening international frameworks will ensure a unified response to these pressing challenges. In conclusion, Madam President, Ghana remains steadfast in its resolve to protect its people and contribute to global security through innovative strategies, prevention-focused measures, and strengthened international collaboration. Together, we can build safer societies for all. I thank you.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. In order to strictly observe the allocated speaking time, I will deliver the shortened version of our statement. For the full text, please refer to the written statement, which will be available online. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, criminals have always adapted. What is changing today is the speed, scale, and reach with which they can do so. Generative AI, virtual assets, and online platforms bring enormous benefits to our societies. but they also provide new tools and opportunities for criminal exploitation. At the same time, the lines between fraud, money laundering, corruption, and illicit traffickings are becoming increasingly blurred. Keeping pace with these changes requires us to look ahead. For Japan, this means moving beyond a reactive approach. We must anticipate how technologies and criminals' methods may evolve, prepare at an early stage, and respond collectively. This requires stronger cooperation among law enforcement and criminal justice authorities, as well as with the private sector, including financial institutions, online platforms, and telecommunications companies. It also requires stronger international cooperation through mutual legal assistance, information sharing, and capacity building. Japan has taken practical steps to implement this approach. In 2021, we established Japan's Prosecutors' Unit on Emerging Crimes, or JPEC, strengthening our capacity to address emerging crime through digital forensics and data analysis. Internationally, Japan strongly supports capacity building to address new and evolving forms of crimes. This includes support for UNODC programs to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel, as well as UNAFE training programs addressing terrorism-related crime, money laundering, cybercrime, and crimes involving virtual assets. Japan has also prioritized the growing threat of fraud. At the 35th session of the CCPCJ in June, Japan, together with the United States and the United Kingdom, tabled a resolution on strengthening responses to global fraud, which was adopted by consensus. We hope this resolution will translate into concrete action through stronger information sharing, investigative cooperation, and public-private partnerships. Criminals are quick to cross borders, adapt their methods, and exploit new technologies. Our response must be equally swift. Japan will continue to deepen partnerships across sectors and borders. working together not only to respond to crime as it evolves, but to anticipate change, prepare for it, and stay ahead of emerging threats. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Madame la President, Excellence, Chair, Delegate,

As we heard this week, crime has changed profoundly. Today, transnational organized criminal groups and terrorist networks operate on a scale and at a pace that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. Cybercrime has become a major global threat. Criminals are exploiting new technologies, including artificial intelligence and encryption, to target victims around the world. The scale of victimization and the proceeds of crime generated are cause for concern. Financial crime fraud, and money laundering have all become widespread and sophisticated cross-border phenomena, generating billions of dollars in criminal proceeds.

Organizations increasingly engage in multiple forms of criminal activities, such as cybercrime, fraud, trafficking activities, and corruption. This growing trend of polycriminality presents significant challenges for law enforcement and criminal justice systems worldwide. Of particular concern is the proliferation of scam centers operated by transnational criminal organizations. These mass fraud operations cause serious harms to individuals and families. They also undermine trust in global financial and governance systems. generate billions in proceeds of crime and are linked to other forms of serious crime, such as human trafficking, forced criminality, corruption, and money laundering. Addressing these evolving threats requires a comprehensive approach, from prevention through disruption, through prosecution, forfeiture, and victim support. Canada supports evidence-based and victim-centered approaches international cooperation, capacity-building efforts, and a follow-the-money approach to prevent, investigate, and disrupt transnational organized criminal networks and deprive them of the proceeds of their illegal activities. Strong international cooperation is essential in responding to increasingly borderless criminal threats. International legal frameworks, including the United Nations Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime, Corruption, and cybercrime can provide important mechanisms for mutual legal assistance, extradition, law enforcement cooperation, and information sharing. Governments cannot meet these challenges alone. Effective responses also require the contributions of international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and affected communities. Canada looks forward to working with all partners to ensure that our crime prevention and criminal justice frameworks remain effective, resilient, and responsive to the challenges ahead. Thank you.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, heads of delegation, distinguished delegates, my delegation notes with interest the observations contained in the discussion guide regarding the evolution of organized crime and terrorism. especially the exploitation of the Internet for the promotion of prohibited substances, the transfer of funds, and the concealment of criminal proceeds. We believe that among the most important issues under discussion under this agenda item are the practical capabilities of justice institutions to detect such activities at an early stage, collect electronic evidence, and establish links between perpetrators operating both within and outside the state. In this regard, we recall the provisions of the Kyoto Declaration regarding the strengthening of international cooperation to combat cybercrime, the development of legislation, the training of law enforcement agencies, to keep pace with technological advances and cooperation with the digital sector, financial institutions, and communication service providers in line with national laws and the principles of international law. My delegation also supports the emphasis placed in the Abu Dhabi Declaration on technology-facilitated crimes. and parallel financial investigations, which deprive criminal organizations of their proceeds. With regard to cybercrime, the State of Kuwait enacted Law No. 63 of 2015 on Combating Information Technology Crimes, which addresses unauthorized access to systems, as well as data breaches. It also criminalizes the creation of websites and the dissemination of information through technological means for the purpose of facilitating trafficking in persons or promoting narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Furthermore, the law addresses the use of such means to support terrorist organizations or facilitate communication with them. The importance of these provisions becomes evident in light of the discussions guides observation that certain aspects of traditional crime, such as victim targeting and promotion and communications, have increasingly shifted into cyberspace. In recognition of international efforts to combat emerging and evolving transnational crime, the State of Kuwait recently signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. Signing this convention reflects or rather is in line with the aspirations of the international community to strengthen international cooperation in addressing crimes committed through the use of ICTs, particularly given the transnational nature of these crimes and the need for rapid exchange of information and evidence and enhanced cooperation among competent authorities. Concerning the fight against terrorism and its emerging forms, Decree-Law No. 47 of 2026 incorporates acts that undermine cybersecurity among the acts that may constitute a terrorist offense when the relevant legal conditions are met. The law also authorizes the adoption of court-ordered preventive measures upon the request of the public prosecution and permits the public prosecution to authorize controlled delivery operations for the purpose of identifying offenders. At the judicial level, Decree-Law No. 51 of 2026 established specialized criminal chambers to hear cases related to state security offenses and terrorist acts. With regards to combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and addressing new and evolving methods of promotion and transportation, Decree Law No. 159 of 2025 consolidated the provisions related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The law also addresses chemical precursors, records, and electronic prescriptions, alongside provisions relating to treatment and rehabilitation. With regard to trafficking in persons, one of the most serious forms of transnational organized crime, The State of Kuwait adopted Law No. 91 of 2013 on combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. The Ministry of Justice has adopted a progressive approach to cooperation in this field by concluding regional bilateral MOUs as well as cooperation with specialized UN bodies and national NGOs. This process has focused on the exchange of best practices and experiences, support and protection of victims, and the provision of assistance to victims. This is consistent with the emphasis placed in the discussion guide and the Abu Dhabi Declaration on the need to combine the prosecution of criminal networks with the prevention of exploitation and the protection of victims. In closing, my delegation believes that this discussion should devote particular attention to the training of specialists in the preservation and analysis of electronic evidence, the exchange of information necessary to trace criminal proceeds, and the protection of victims of trafficking in persons and exploitation, especially women and children. Any discussion of these issues should keep in mind the legal competencies of the relevant authorities while respecting national laws and sovereignty. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Uganda welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this important agenda item. Uganda recognizes that organized and transnational crimes are rapidly evolving. Criminal and terrorist networks are increasingly exploiting digital technologies, artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, virtual assets, and cross-border financial systems to expand their reach. conceal illicit proceeds and operate across jurisdictions. Since 2020, Uganda's criminal justice institutions have demonstrated considerable resilience in responding to terrorism, organized and transnational crimes, including dealing with the disruptions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. the Uganda Police Force annual crime reports indicate that criminal cases reported rose from 195,931 cases in 2020 to 231,653 cases in 2022 as society reopened after the COVID-19 restrictions and thereafter declined progressively to 196,405 in 2025. However, emerging and evolving forms of crime continue to present significant challenges. The UNODC strategic analysis of organized crime in Uganda highlights the complex and interconnected nature of organized criminal activity, including its links to transnational trafficking, illicit financial flows, and cyber-enabled crime. For example, in 2025, 412 cybercrime cases, 18 money laundering cases, and one terrorism financing case involving billions of Uganda shillings were reported to police. Since these evolving cases require responses that are intelligence-led, technology-enabled, and supported by effective cooperation across institutions and borders, Uganda responded by strengthening its institutional architecture through, one, the creation of specialized structures within the criminal justice institutions to address emerging areas like terrorism and related offenses, money laundering and other financial crimes, cybercrime, international cooperation, and asset recovery. Use of the Plea Bargain Initiative, where all criminal justice actors collaborate by upholding plea bargain camps and sessions at different prisons across the country, leading to a remarkable reduction in case backlog. Intensified intelligence-led operations against criminal syndicates by the Uganda Police Force, working with national and international partners to investigate organized and transnational crime and disrupt criminal networks. Use of prosecution-guided investigations to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of complex cases, and creation of an inter-agency committee on international cooperation in order to strengthen Uganda's international legal cooperation framework, in a structured, coordinated and authoritative manner. These initiatives demonstrate a progressively more coordinated and specialized criminal justice response, with increasing emphasis on disrupting criminal networks, strengthening investigation, prosecution, adjudication and accountability outcomes. They underscore Uganda's recognition that emerging and evolving forms of crime require specialized expertise, effective coordination, and adequately resourced criminal justice institutions. Uganda therefore calls for sustained, practical, and demand-driven solutions by all criminal justice actors, and remains committed to working with all member states and partners in building criminal justice institutions capable of effectively responding to new, emerging, and evolving criminal threats. I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Today, we confront a rapidly evolving crime landscape where globalization, conflict, and weak rule of law allow transnational organized crime, terrorism, organized fraud, and cybercrime to converge. Financing using dark web virtual assets, and AI-enabled cyber attacks present unprecedented challenges to global peace and justice. Bangladesh is actively confronting these challenges. Our Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit and Special Response Unit, SRU, including Criminal Investigation Department, conduct specialized operations to disrupt violent crime networks and digital financial crimes in full compliance with FATF standards. We prioritize the tracking, freezing, recovery, and prompt repatriation of laundered wealth and proceeds of crime to their countries of origin in accordance with UN CSE, and even TSC, I mean the even convention against transnational organized crime, even TSC. We stress the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation on fugitive tracing and extradition and for establishing direct automated 24/7 interagency channels among police, immigration, prosecutors, and judicial authorities. Equally critical is streamlined access to electronic evidence and threat data from multinational technology platforms and communication services providers headquartered in advanced countries. Madam Chair, technology is a double-edged sword. While criminals exploit AI and cyberspace, we must harness the same tool for prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution. Strengthening data collection and analysis, securing electronic evidence, and building criminal justice capacity are therefore essential. Bangladesh invests in joint training programs and enhanced border security to prevent illicit movements while advocating whole of society strategies that engage government, private sector, civil society, and communities. A special priority for Bangladesh is human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and forced criminality. Under our new Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Prevention and Suppression Act 2026, Bangladesh police has operationalized comprehensive enforcement victim protection, and debriefing protocols, applying the non-punishment principle. We are actively disrupting transnational networks along the Central Mediterranean routes and West Balkan corridors. In response to forced criminality in Southeast Asian online scam compounds, our Criminal Investigation Department debrief approximately 583 returnees in June July 2026 conducted 400 interviews and initiated prosecutions against recruiters and financial we also pursue destination countries set girls to protect migrant workers rights and strengthen document verification at airports Madam chair Addressing these converging threats demand robust law enforcement capabilities, effective asset recovery, genuine international cooperation with technology companies, and shared responsibility. Bangladesh remains fully committed to working with all Member States, UNODC, and partners to protect our people and uphold the rule of law in the digital age. I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Russian Federation.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Now, before I give the floor, or rather, I talk about our practices, I'm going to make a number of general comments. The Russian Federation welcomes the inclusion into the draft outcome document references to GA resolution 79233, which adopted the adoption by consensus of the Cybercrime Convention, as well as the related certification and implementation of the convention. We believe that it created a sound mechanism for international cooperation. We believe that a priority here is to ensure its rapid entry into force. Furthermore, we believe that the General Assembly's mandate must be fully implemented, and the Special Committee must continue its work within the format of new discussions on the elaboration of an additional protocol to the Convention. The Russian Federation has presented its option for the protocol into the work of the body, and we call upon all States to make constructive contributions to the future negotiations process. I'm giving the floor now to my colleague.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. Cyber crime has, over the last few decades, turned into a systemic global threat. Special concerns arise as a result of the transnational nature of such crimes. A number of criminal activities are carried out by minors. Now, the share of such crimes in the Russian Federation is close to 40 percent. However, we have to note positive steps forward over the last year and a half. Despite the unprecedented level of attacks from foreign call centers, we were able to reduce the number of such crimes by over 12%. This result is one that was achieved as a result of the consolidated efforts of government and the business sector. and eliminating the deep-rooted causes which contribute to the commission of such crimes. Special attention has been devoted to the use of electronic systems by banks and so forth, and the providers of internet services. For example, in 2024, we integrated ICT resources about such digital evidence between the Central Bank and the Ministry of the Interior, which has enabled us to react in real time to cases of fraud and to freeze the proceeds of crime achieved by criminals. We also have a, we have digital evidence tracking which enables us to note serial criminals and as a result, we have a decrease in the number of criminals. We have also launched operation of a government program which seeks, which collects and provides data on crypto crimes. Now, existing practice based on such digital tracking has enabled us to launch discussion of the issue with other central banks a program for the collecting of digital evidence. In 2023, we had three main categories. We had the protection of bank accounts and helping citizens online. This has enabled us last year to prevent 135 million fraudulent operations and to create a database of criminals who are no longer provided with internet banking services. We also have additional powers for identifying banking details and evidence, banking, fortune banking operation details. We do all this to attempt to counter the emergence of an illegal market in illicit payment methods. So we have also criminalized the setting up of SIM boxes and the illegal exploitation of networks for criminal purposes. As a result of these measures, last year, the secret services were able to see 7 million SIM cards, which has enabled us, which contributed to 22 million criminal cases per day. Things are continuing and expanding, but our readiness to meet new challenges, including the risks linked to the development of AI, must remain at the highest possible level. An inalienable part of our work is international cooperation. Madam Chair. participants of this meeting. I'm going to be very brief. I'm going to share our example of international cooperation. We have provided mutual legal assistance on crimes, and we have done this through ICT technologies. The participation in criminal proceedings by the Russian Federation, by its competent authorities, has resulted in the provision of mutual legal assistance abroad. and also looks at requests which we receive from other countries, and we ensure that they're carried out on our territory. The number of mutual legal assistance requests going and coming from abroad are increasing on a yearly basis. Our foreign requests on criminal proceedings mostly focus on cyber crimes. For example, the the preparation, the manufacture, rather, and spread of pornographic materials, as well as psychotropic substances. Mutual legal assistance requests contain requests for the production of evidence, which is used in various digital systems. In the Russian Federation, the Prosecutor General's Office is the main body for implementing criminal prosecutions. What is interesting here for international cooperation are international legal instruments. which are contained both in bilateral and multilateral agreements with the framework of which the Prosecutor General's Offices and other relevant authorities in a number of countries have sent requests for mutual legal assistance. As a result of this common mechanism for mutual legal assistance, the Russian Federation has examples of effective international cooperation and prosecutions. The relevant bodies of a number of states have received requests for mutual legal assistance on a number of criminal cases of a sexual nature. in which contained requests for evidence and data on this individuals, including IP addresses and interviews. As a result of the materials that we received from foreign partners upon our request and the evidence that we gathered by the Russian law enforcement agencies, this case was prosecuted and we prosecuted the main individuals responsible for these crimes. So the individual who was prosecuted was found guilty on the territory of the Russian Federation and was sentenced to 18 years in jail. There are a number of other examples of such cooperation with other governments in this. The main problems in international cooperation are the time lags in the provisional mutual legal assistance in international treaties. The governments who have signed these treaties must provide this mutual legal assistance as rapidly as is possible. In this, any refusal to provide mutual legal assistance has to be justified. The Russian Federation is a party to various international agreements on providing mutual legal assistance. And we have also complied with all of our international obligations in this field, and we have undertaken measures for its practical implementation by stepping up the role of the government in investigating such crimes, including through the use of ICT technologies. We believe that cooperation must be carried out by States Parties on an equal, depoliticized basis, with implementation in good faith of the obligations contained in international agreements. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, to bring agenda item 5 in sync with the topic of workshop 3, Thailand recognizes that getting ahead of evolving crime requires not only advanced technology but also the courage to address structural and institutional vulnerabilities in alignment with the national policy on the anti.

Online scam operation center.

The Royal Thai Police highlights the alarming rise of trafficking in persons for forced criminality. This emerging form of crime involves victims being coerced into operating online scams in specialized compounds located near Thailand's borders.

To strengthen our intelligence.

Rapid response.

The Royal Thai Police has developed the CHIEF system, the Scam and Human Trafficking Information Exchange and Linkage Database. The CHIEF serves as a centralized intelligent platform that integrates cyber scam data with human trafficking records, enabling law enforcement to move beyond low-level operatives and target the high-level masterminds behind these criminal networks. Utilizing AI-driven analysis, the system identifies patterns of operation, traces laundering routes for illicit funds, and.

The movement of trafficked persons across borders.

Through the Shield, Thailand is now collaborating with partners from 18 countries and international organizations, including the FBI and UNODC, to dismantle the infrastructure of global scam syndicates. technology-related crime continues to involve, Thailand is strengthening its prosecution of cases involve digital evidence. Since July this year, the Office of the Attorney General has established the Coordination Center for Technology Crimes to strengthen our digital forensics by providing technical support to our prosecutors nationwide in handling cases with digital evidence. Furthermore, we have upgraded our regulation over virtual assets to prevent their misuse in laundering the proceeds of these scams and in financing terrorism. We are also enhancing our anti-money laundering frameworks to trace the flow of illicit funds that support the crime as a service model. Madam Chair.

Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank.

Those countries and international organizations that have provided technical support to Thailand and help boost the effectiveness of our.

Fight against transnational organized crime.

I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Distinguished delegate, in the context of rapid and complex changes in the Colombo skyline landscape, Vietnam highly appreciate the focus of our agenda on addressing and countering new, emerging, and evolving forms of crime. In recent years, high technology crime, transnational online fraud, and the misuse of AI and virtual assets for criminal purposes have continued to pose new challenges. In response, Vietnam has proactively implemented a comprehensive and coordinated set of measures. First, strengthening the legal and institutional framework and advancing digital transformation. Vietnam has accelerated the development of a comprehensive legal framework. including the law on personal data protections, which enter into force on 1 January 2026, and the revised law on cybersecurity, which enter into force on 1 July 2026. Alongside with digital transformation applied in criminal proceeding and strengthened oversight of financial and telecommunication transactions, Vietnam could focus on ensuring cybersecurity. These measures have contributed to effectively combating and suppressing crimes and other unlawful acts in cyberspace. Second, developing a comprehensive response strategy. Vietnam is actively building an ecosystem for preventing and combating fraud, with meaningful private sector participation and a people-centered approach. Relevant measures include the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy to 2030, with a vision 2045. The national plan of action in prevention and combating crimes. And several initiative of public awareness campaign to equip community especially young people with online safety skills such as the informations of DJToll, Just Alliance. Networks of KOLs and social media activities. Third, strengthening laws, enforcement and responses to emerging forms of crimes. Vietnam has proactively strengthened coordination with the law enforcement authorities of other countries through bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, as well as through INTERPOL, ASEANAPOL, UNODC, and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Distinguished delegates, crime today is increasingly transnational, exploiting rapidly advancing technology at a remarkable rate. while criminal activities are evolving day by day. Our cooperation must therefore become faster and more practical. Alongside promoting the signing and the ratifications of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrimes and its early entry into force, we must begin putting in place the necessary preparations for its effective implementations. UNODC plays an important and central role in connecting stakeholders supporting the effective mechanisms for information exchange and capacity building, also facilitating member countries to narrow technology and technical gaps. On these occasions, we respectfully invite relevant authority of member states, international organizations, and partner to attend the high-level international conference on preventing and combating transnational crimes. to be hosted by Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam in 2027. We hope that the conference will provide a platform for sharing initiative, strengthening trust and translating commitment into concrete and practical programs of cooperation. I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Kenya remains committed to addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime through a combination of strong legal frameworks, specialized institutions, international cooperation, intelligence-led investigations, and prevention. Kenya has enacted legislation addressing organized crime, terrorism-related threats, money laundering, trafficking in persons, narcotic drugs, wildlife crime, and cybercrime, including the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, and Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. Kenya continues to strengthen regional police cooperation through the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization, which is a regional body comprising 14 East African countries. Kenya also hosts the Counter-Terrorism Centre of Excellence at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters in Nairobi. In March 2026, the Inspector General of Police launched a permanent Interpol Policing Capabilities Foundation course, which covers Interpol databases, the I24/7 secure communications system, and international notices and diffusions. The training has subsequently been incorporated into standard police training at the National Police College campuses in Kigango and Embakasi. Kenya is also strengthening maritime security. Through the Kenya Coast Guard Service Joint Operations Center and regional partnerships, Kenya has enhanced its capacity to combat piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing. These efforts contributed to a 1,024 kilogram methamphetamine seizure off the Kenyan coast in October 2025, demonstrating the importance of coordinated maritime enforcement and intelligence sharing. Kenya places particular emphasis on disrupting the financial architecture of organized crime. through the multi-agency team on the war against corruption, institutions including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, National Intelligence Service, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution, Asset Recovery Agency, Financial Reporting Centre, Central Bank of Kenya, and Kenya Revenue Authority, coordinate investigations and asset recovery. Kenya supports stronger international cooperation in asset tracing, freezing, confiscation and recovery, including in cases involving virtual assets and digital evidence. We further support rapid exchange of financial and criminal investigation, mutual legal assistance and enforcement of foreign preservation and confiscation orders, consistent with national law and international obligations. Kenya's Mutual Legal Assistance Act provides a framework for international cooperation in evidence gathering, witness examination, asset tracing, and such in seizure. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has also entered into arrangements with other states covering extradition, mutual legal assistance, and transfer of prisoners, supporting the principle that criminals should not evade accountability by crossing borders. Kenya has taken a regional leadership role in strengthening witness protection. In November last year, Kenya spearheaded the establishment of the Africa Witness Protection Association, which has laid the development of a draft model law on witness protection for Africa. aimed at strengthening reciprocal protection arrangements across the continent. Kenya also recognizes that prevention must address the social and economic drivers of crime. The NYOTA program, a five-year World Bank finance program, targets approximately 820,000 vulnerable young people aged 18 to 35 years across all the 47 counties of Kenya. combining employability skills, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship grants, and digital skills. Kenya has established specialized judicial infrastructure for high-risk and transnational cases. Kahawa and Shanzu Law Courts serve as high-security courts handling counterterrorism and organized crime matters, while the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Court, which was established in 2016, handles offences including drug trafficking, human trafficking, immigration and wildlife trafficking arising at Kenya's principal international gateway. Kenya will continue to strengthen national, regional and international cooperation against organized crime and terrorism, while ensuring that responses to emerging threats remain grounded in human rights, due process and the rule of law. I thank you, Chair.

Thank you. And I have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Thank you, Madam President, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. At present, the global counterterrorism landscape is undergoing complex and profound changes. Tensions continue to rise in hotspot regions. International terrorist activities remain frequent. and terrorism poses a more acute threat to international security and stability. First, global terrorist activities are experiencing an accelerated resurgence. In recent years, international terrorism has rebounded at a faster pace, marked by a surge in the number of incidents, upgraded modus operandi, and increased frequency and intensity of attacks. Second, regional conflicts are catalyzing more frequent major terrorist attacks. Terrorist acts are increasingly intertwined with geopolitical conflicts and political unrest. Major international terrorist attacks invariably take place against a backdrop of complex geopolitical maneuvering. Furthermore, certain countries politicize and instrumentalize counterterrorism, going so far as to sponsor and condone terrorism. Third, terrorist tactics are constantly evolving. Terrorist organizations increasingly utilize the internet for liaison, propaganda, incitement, recruitment, financing, plotting, and command, often deploying proxies to carry out attacks, emerging capabilities such as text-to-image generation, artificial intelligence, and deep fakes have provided terrorist groups with new tools to perpetrate attacks. Madam President, the Chinese Government has always firmly opposed and condemned terrorism in all its forms, taking proactive measures to combat it. First, we have improved our legal framework. The anti-terrorism law of the People's Republic of China entered into force in January 2016, providing solid legal safeguards for preventing, combating, and halting all forms of terrorist activities. Second, China's public security authorities have maintained a zero-tolerance posture against violent terrorism. We have strengthened intelligence-led early warnings and law-based crackdowns, effectively eliminating the tangible threats posed by such activities. Third, we have deeply advanced eradication, deradicalization, and systematic cleanup of terrorist and violent extremist audio and video content. This has effectively contained incitement and sabotage by domestic and foreign terrorist forces within China, eradicating the breeding grounds for extremism and terrorism. Fourth, we have strengthened community-level prevention and control alongside nationwide counterterrorism public education, squeezing the space for violent terrorist acts. Fifth, we have actively responded to new developments by deepening international cooperation, forestalling and defusing terrorism risks, while consistently consolidating and expanding strategic initiative in fighting terrorism. To date, China has remained free of violent terrorist incidents nine consecutive years. Madam President, given the complex and fluid international security situation, China calls upon all countries to enhance practical cooperation, fully leverage the UN's central coordinating role in international counterterrorism cooperation, and advance implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy so as to establish the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security and addressing both symptoms and root causes of terrorism through robust capacity building, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity. I thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you very much, Madam President, distinguished delegates. The global landscape of crime has become increasingly complex, with new and emerging forms of crime evolving faster than many of our traditional responses to prevention and law enforcement. This includes cybercrime, illegal mining, trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, drug trafficking, and crimes that affect the environment, amongst others. These offences are intricately linked to illicit financial flows, as criminal syndicates frequently rely on money laundering and fraud to generate vast sums of illicit profits. In addressing these emerging and evolving crimes, South Africa has a number of legislative frameworks in place, with the Prevention of Organised Crime Act at its core. With regard to cyber crime, South Africa has faced an increase in ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, malware intrusion, identity theft, digital banking fraud, and other complex forms of cyber crime. To address these challenges, South Africa enacted the Cyber Crimes Act, which criminalizes unlawful access, interception, data interference, cyber fraud, and malicious communications, while also regulating the prevention and sharing of digital evidence. The Act works alongside the Protection of Personal Information Act to safeguard personal data and ensure that investigative measures respect privacy and constitutional rights. The adoption of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime marks a pivotal and timely milestone in the international community's efforts to confront this evolving threat. South Africa has signed the convention and is working towards ratification in order to allow the Convention's early entry into force. South Africa's response to illegal mining likewise continues to evolve through comprehensive legislative, regulatory and enforcement measures. Key priorities include strengthening mining and environmental laws, tightening border and custom controls, enhancing anti-money laundering frameworks and deploying advanced civilians and intelligence South Africa is also intensifying cooperation with neighboring states and within the SADC to promote coordinated global response and joint task forces and cross-border operations. Madam President, equally, trafficking in persons and smuggling in migrants remain grave crime which continue to evolve and cause serious violation of human rights. South Africa's national policy framework on trafficking in persons sets out a coordinated strategy linking trafficking to organized criminal syndicates. Its implementation is overseen by the Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons, supported by provincial task teams and rapid response units across all nine provinces. To strengthen measures against the smuggling of migrants, South Africa is advancing a holistic immigration policy through the White Paper on Citizens, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which promotes legal migration while discouraging illegal practice. South Africa's response to drug trafficking is likewise multidimensional. Law enforcement agencies employ a follow-the-money approach through financial investigations, asset tracing, and for future targeting syndicate capital flows and procurement nodes. We participate actively in regional and international cooperation frameworks, including the S-A-R-P-C-C-O, the AMDEC, the IDEC, Interpol, the Southern Route Partnership, and the Trilateral Planning Cell, enhancing maritime interdictions and joint operation. On the demand side, South Africa seeks to scale up prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services through a whole-of-society approach, aligning public health interventions with community resilience and youth prevention programs. Distinguished delegates, crimes that affect the environment also pose a significant threat to South Africa's ecosystems. Wildlife, forests, marine resources, and mineral wealth are increasingly targeted by sophisticated international criminal syndicates. Recognizing wildlife trafficking as a serious organized crime, South Africa has adopted the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking in 2023. Operational responses are strengthened through the Environmental Enforcement Fusion Center, which analyzes seized seized electronic devices, financial data, and communication data to support investigations, while then directors of public prosecution, environmental working groups, has been able to do the work. Madam President, effectively addressing and countering organized crime, including its new and emerging forms, can be achieved through fostering international cooperation in extradition, mutual legal assistance, and evidence sharing, as well as adopting adopting collaborative approaches. To this end, Member States are encouraged to harmonize their legal framework to ensure consistency in the fight against transnational organized crime by ratifying and implementing international legal treaties such as the UNTOC, the UNCAC, and the Convention against Cyber Crimes, amongst others. South Africa stands ready to work together with UNTOC to be able to ensure collaboration and in implementing our programme. I thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.

Thank you, Madam President. The criminal landscape is changing rapidly. Organized criminal groups adapt quickly to new technologies, markets, and opportunities, expanding speed, scale, and transnational reach of their activities. We have said so many times during these days, let's state another one. Yet, as crime evolves, the international legal framework we have built does not become less relevant. On the contrary. The Palermo Convention is a clear example. More than 25 years after its adoption, its values lies not only in the offenses it addresses, but in the common framework it provides for international cooperation whenever crime, offenders, evidence, or criminal proceeds cross national borders. Its near universal membership is a major achievement, but universality must be matched with effective implementation. Italy, therefore, attaches particular importance to the review mechanism as a tool to identify gaps, good practices and practical ways to make fuller use of the Convention. Accelerating the review process and ensuring adequate resources for it should remain a priority. For Italy, one lesson from the case of fighting organised crime remains particularly relevant.

We must focus not only on individual offences, but on.

The networks and financial structures that sustain them. Following the money, following the data, tracing illicit financial flows and depriving criminal groups of their proceeds are essential to disrupting their operations. This is increasingly important as criminal activities intersect. Drug trafficking remains a major source of criminal income, while synthetic drugs and precursors create rapidly evolving markets. Italy has long invested in a coordinated national response and international operational cooperation in this field. Organized fraud provides another example of how quickly criminal groups exploit technology, increasingly combining cross-border operations with money laundering and other forms of organized crime. Financial investigations, rapid information exchange, and asset recovery are therefore increasingly important. The links between organized crime and terrorism require, definitely, particular attention. While they are distinct phenomena, they may exploit the same trafficking routes, financial channels, technologies, and illicit markets. Italy places strong emphasis on coordination, information sharing, and international cooperation, including action to disrupt the financial flows that sustain criminal and terrorist networks. Another area in which my country has developed strong expertise is trafficking in cultural property. Here too, online markets and transnational networks require specialized investigations, financial tracing and international cooperation. The recommendations before the Congress should give us a practical agenda, making fuller use of the Palermo Conventions, strengthening international cooperation, and reinforcing UNODC's capacity to analyze evolving threats and support effective responses. The common thread is clear. Emerging crimes cannot be addressed in silos. Criminal networks are becoming faster, more adaptive, and increasingly interconnected. Our response must therefore evolve accordingly, proactive, evidence-based, and focus on results, constantly assessing emerging trends and possible gaps. Above all, we need to connect what criminals themselves already connect, resources, technologies, and cooperation. Italy will continue to bring its concrete support and operational expertise to this collective effort, working with EuroDC.

And international partners to ensure that cooperation keeps.

Face with evolving threats. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Thank you, Madam President. Allow me to extend my appreciation to your chairmanship for guiding this important meeting. Indonesia aligns itself with the importance of this agenda item. The criminal landscape is growing more complex as criminal actors exploit gaps in institutional capacity and outdated or insufficient legal frameworks while leveraging new technologies to expand, personalise and diversify their operations. Indonesia believes the confrontation of the new, emerging and evolving forms of threat demands coordinated and adaptive responses, stronger capacity within law enforcement and criminal justice institutions, and effective cooperation and governance at the national, regional, and international levels. It also recognizes the nexus between organized crime and terrorist networks increasingly rely on foreign financing, including through online scam operation, cryptocurrency laundering, and cross-border trafficking in person for forced criminality. This evolving threat are increasingly facilitated through the misuse of digital platforms and transnational scam compounds, underscoring the need for strengthened regional and international cooperation and stronger law enforcement across jurisdiction. Distinguished delegates, going forward, Indonesia is offering the following observations. First, capability must match the threat. Digital forensics, lawful access to evidence and electronic forms, crypto asset tracing and parallel financial investigation should become core criminal justice capacities. Training should be multidisciplinary and case-based, bringing together investigators, prosecutors, financial intelligence units, asset recovery specialists and relevant private sector actors. Second, SPIT must operate with safeguards. Electronic evidence is volatile and can be moved within seconds. States should strengthen rapid preservation, secure focal points, and early practitioner consultation, while ensuring that coercive measures and evidence collection comply with the applicable domestic and international law. Third, responses must be victim-sensitive. In online scam and trafficking cases, persons compelled to commit unlawful acts may themselves be victims of trafficking. We know justice responses should identify coercion, protect victims, and apply non-punishment principle in accordance with domestic law, while focusing prosecution on organizer, enablers, financiers, and those who profit from exploitation. Indonesia encourage UNODC to support specialist prosecutor networks, practical guidance on electronic evidence, and federal comparable data standards and joint capacity building tailored to regional threat pattern. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran.

Thank you, Madam President. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Madam President, Terrorism continues to pose a grave threat to the stability, safety and security of societies, with serious consequences for economic and social development, the rule of law and criminal justice. As highlighted in the Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism, acts, methods, and practices of terrorism constitute a grave violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a founding member of the United Nations and a victim of terrorism, has demonstrated its continued commitment to combating terrorism and has played a significant role in defeating terrorist groups, including ISIS, in the region. Without the sacrifices of those who stood at the forefront of counterterrorism efforts, including General Qassem Soleimani, the threat posed could have spread further across the region. For Iran, combating terrorism is inseparable from effective crime prevention and criminal justice. This requires strong national institutions, appropriate legislation, capable law enforcement and judicial authorities, as well as effective international cooperation through extradition, mutual legal assistance, sharing and joint investigations. Counterterrorism efforts should neither be selectively applied nor subjected to political consideration and must not serve as a pretext of unlawful uses of force or interference in the internal affairs of states. It is alarming that terrorist group perpetrating acts of terrorism in different forms and manifestations, including against Iran, are given safe haven by some countries as a result of their selective politicized objectives. Iran further reaffirms the importance of completing the longstanding efforts towards a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Such an instrument could provide greater legal clarity and strengthen international cooperation in prevention, investigation, prosecution of terrorist acts. Its elaboration should be inclusive, consensus-based, and consistent with the Charter and international law. We must also address the growing misuse of emerging technologies by terrorists and criminal actors. Digital platforms, social media, encrypted communication, and artificial intelligence can be exploited for recruitment, radicalization, dissemination of extremist content, coordination of attacks and terrorist financing. Addressing these threats requires enhanced cooperation among law enforcement and judicial authorities, financial institutions, and relevant technology stakeholders, while safeguarding due process and fundamental rights. In conclusion, Iran stands ready to contribute to collective efforts to strengthen crime prevention and criminal justice responses to terrorism in accordance with international law, the rule of law, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations. I thank you.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Transnational organized crime cannot be understood as a collection of isolated phenomena. Crimes at present converge into increasingly sophisticated networks which roots the discal structures and financing mechanisms. For Colombia, this convergence represents one of our greatest challenges. Criminal structures, which before operated with rudimentary means, have now incorporated drones to coordinate action, monitor territories, evade authorities, and even carry out attacks against the forces of law and order and the civilian population. They have moved from conventional telephony towards encrypted communications and digital environments which make it difficult to intercept them. They use virtual assets and electronic wallets to move illicit resources at a speed and with an opacity which traditional control mechanisms, financial control mechanisms, cannot detect. Colombia believes that transnational organized crime is a multidimensional threat to security, biodiversity, economic development, human rights, and democratic governance. whose technological adaptation and convergence with illicit economies requires a coordinated response in the national, regional and international spheres. Within this context, states need to strengthen their normative frameworks and their cyber defense and digital investigation capacities, adopting a proactive approach and not just a reactive one. This requires identifying and combating emerging forms or the emerging manners in which criminal organizations monetize and finance their operations, such as the smuggling of commercial goods. And they need to act with agility through tools such as asset forfeiture and other measures in order to dismantle the economic foundations which support these organizations. Colombia tackles this not just through statements, but also through tangible legislative reform. The recent Act 2608 of 2026 is one example of our work to have updated and adaptive responses faced with evolving crimes. Through it, Colombia modernized its legal framework against human trafficking to respond to new dynamics of the recruitment and exploitation of persons in digital environments, incorporating also exploitation in the context of trips and tourism as an aggravating circumstance. Allow me to conclude. Noting that Colombia believes that response to these issues requires the effective use of judicial cooperation mechanisms, our government has reaffirmed extradition as an essential tool to prevent spaces of impunity, complemented by mutual legal aid as set out under international instruments, as well as by strengthening the financial aspect of international cooperation in order to identify, freeze, seize and recover assets proceeding from these illicit economies and putting a stop to illicit financial flows. Only by doing this will it be possible to achieve tangible results faced with criminal structures which do not recognize borders. Thank you.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, at the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to the authorities of the United Arab Emirates and to the secretariats for organizing this important event. Turkey fully supports strong and effective international cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime and terrorism. Terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorist financing are increasingly interconnected, exploiting the same routes, financial channels, and technological tools. Our response must therefore be comprehensive, coordinated, and international. Madam President, For more than four decades, Turkey has been fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including PKK, FETÖ, Daesh, and Al-Qaeda, as well as 17 November and Asala. As a result of our determined counterterrorism measures, the PKK terrorist organization has become ineffective and on the 12th of May announced its dissolution. Turkey is fully committed to the Terrorism-Free Turkey process, which we consider in tandem with our vision of a terrorism-free region, a vision we have adopted to eliminate this menace from the wider region and to foster peace, stability, and prosperity beyond our borders. In this pursuit, Turkey strongly upholds its position that PKK/KCK must dissolve and disarm, along with all its branches, affiliated structures, and networks. Within this context, the dissolution of the so-called SDF is a promising development. We will keep closely monitoring the integration in Syria. We expect our allies and partners to show solidarity with this vision, and we call for stronger intelligence sharing, law enforcement and judicial cooperation, as well as effective measures against terrorist financing. Madam President, At the same time, criminal and terrorist organizations are increasingly exploiting cyberspace and artificial intelligence for recruitment, propaganda, financing, and fraud. The rapid advancement of generative AI has significantly reduced the threshold for malicious use, enabling large-scale disinformation, the automation of fraud, and cyber attacks towards critical infrastructure. These developments blurred the line between conventional and cyber-enabled crime and require our criminal justice systems to keep pace. We must therefore strengthen cooperation against cybercrime, particularly in the sharing of electronic evidence, establish effective cooperation with service providers, and strengthen 24/7 points of contact. We should also ensure that artificial intelligence is used responsibly by our law enforcement authorities while preventing its exploitation by criminal and terrorist actors. In this context, we recognize the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime as an important framework in this regard, and as a party to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, believe these instruments should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner. with full respect for human rights and the rule of law. Madam President, Turkey is equally determined to combat migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and other forms of transnational organized crime. These challenges require close cooperation among countries of origin, transit, and destination, as well as with international and regional organizations. Madam President, Turkey attaches great importance to capacity building, including in the digital field, as criminal actors exploit the weakest link in the chain. The Turkish International Academy Against Drugs and Organized Crime and the Turkish Counter-Narcotics Training Academy have provided training to over 15,000 law enforcement officers from over 100 countries through more than 700 international training programs. We remain ready to share our experience with requesting states together with UNODC and other international partners. Madam President, as these threats constantly evolve, our cooperation must adapt accordingly. Turkey remains firmly committed to working with all partners towards a safer, more secure, and more stable international community. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, President. Argentina would like to express that it makes permanent efforts in order to strengthen its tools faced with new forms of transnational organized crime, threats in terms of cybersecurity and terrorism. Within this context, Argentina believes that international legal cooperation is very essential. and requires effective extradition, exchange of information and evidence, and the seizure of the proceeds of crime, amongst other instruments. With regards to that set out in the documents on the possible connections between transnational organized crime and terrorism, Argentina would like to express that, although in some contexts and specific cases there are links, due to synergies, logistics chains or links in terms of financing, these are different phenomena and they are addressed by separated international instruments. Transnational organized crime is covered by the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its initial protocols, in the United Nations Convention against Corruption and in conventions on international drugs control, among other instruments. Terrorism, on the other hand, as a threat to international peace and security, is regulated by 19 legal instruments developed within the United Nations. In all of them, it is clear that these are different forms of crime which need to be addressed in particular manners. In terms of international judicial cooperation for terrorism, Argentina is ready to provide judicial assistance and extradition to countries that require it, utilising international instruments as a basis, or, if not, offering reciprocity for analogous cases. Universal instruments against terrorism are a valid legal basis in order to provide the maximum level of judicial assistance in investigations and criminal procedures or extradition, including evidence gathering. In line with our domestic legislation, Argentina cannot reject a request for legal aid, even if it is considered a political crime. if it's a crime under which we have taken on an obligation under conventions to extradite or prosecute, as is the case for crimes of terrorism. Therefore, given the importance that Argentina assigns to the challenges of cybercrime, it would be essential that when we deal with it in this natural forum, that we be as transparent and inclusive as possible. Its prevention, investigation, and prosecution require joint efforts amongst various actors in a multidisciplinary manner and at multiple levels. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

President, distinguished delegates, the digital age has transformed crime throughout the world. To counter the illicit use of emerging technologies, such as ransomware, manipulation through artificial intelligence, cyber attacks, and the proliferation of illicit markets on the dark web, States need to adopt legislative reforms and advanced technological capacities. In this regard, the Attorney General's Office of the Republic of Mexico is delighted to propose for consideration by this Congress a comprehensive approach divided in the following strategic areas: updating criminal codes; classifying cybercrimes, emerging cybercrimes such as ransomware and manipulation with artificial intelligence, adhering to global treaties such as the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime of 2024, reforming evidence laws, validating digital evidence and the chain to take care of volatile data in judicial processes, data protection laws, ensuring System privacy, faced with mass spying of criminal networks. Digital and psychological support, creating specialized helplines for the victims of cyber harassment, extortion, or identity theft. Guarantee of anonymity, protecting the identity of witnesses and victims of trafficking or terrorism through virtual and secure reporting channels, reparation mechanisms facilitating the rapid freezing of stolen funds, and compensation funds at the state level to recover lost assets. We also need to continuously train staff as technologies, platforms, and methods used in order to facilitate illicit activities constantly evolve. With regards to the protection of victims, We need to, one, create centralized digital portals to report cybercrimes and receive legal guidance in a comprehensive manner, and two, create national funds and programs for financial assistance, medical and psychological long-term support for victims of organized crime. In addition, it's essential that we emphasize that any technological investigation tool needs to be subject to international human rights standards guaranteeing due process, the protection of personal data, the privacy of the public, faced with any arbitrary vigilance. Presidents, in current times, it's essential that states take advantage of collaboration with technology companies in order to define and formulate specific responses to the risks set out by the use for criminal purposes of ICTs. These include artificial intelligence and the dark web. Means to anticipate risks and track complex crimes. This collaboration can give rise to the design of advanced investigation tools, which enables us to block illicit activities and detect their origin. To exchange information intelligence, create tracking mechanisms in the dark web, which enables us to have almost immediate responses to specific threats or tracking various monetary transactions to make it possible to flag potential illicit acts of money laundering and financing of transnational organized groups. In this regard, in the Attorney General's Office in the Republic of Mexico, we have faced some difficulties in terms of cooperation with the communication service providers located in other countries. Often, providers lack a unified, obligatory international legal framework in which to respond, which delays investigations. Therefore, it is essential that justice systems can directly contact service providers and that they have staff who are trained to request and address transnational requests. In particular, if the company that has the digital evidence is located in one jurisdiction and the victim and investigation of the crime is in another jurisdiction. In addition, we need to create communication channels which are agile and secure between competent authorities in the countries involved in a specific case, for example, specialised contact networks to facilitate coordination within the context of investigations. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Thank you, Chair. The UK is committed to strengthening the global response to organized crime. We have supported UNODC to turn international commitments into practical action. including through the Organised Crime Strategy Toolkit, which has reached more than 90 jurisdictions. But as organised crime evolves, our collective response must evolve with it. Nowhere is this clearer than fraud, a transnational threat causing serious financial and emotional harm. For the UK, fraud is the most common crime, accounting for 47% of all offences and costing an estimated 14.4 billion pounds each year. Over two thirds of the UK fraud threat has an overseas element. Our refreshed fraud strategy focuses on three priorities, disrupting fraud before it reaches a target, safeguarding people and businesses, and responding with victim support and justice. We will invest 250 million pounds over three years to strengthen our response, including 31 million pounds for a new online crime center to improve data sharing and speed up action. International cooperation is central to that approach. The UK was proud to be the main donor to the UNODC Interpol Global Fraud Summit earlier this year. At that summit, the UK launched a global public-private partnership, bringing together governments, technology, telecommunications, and banking partners to make fraud prevention faster and more effective. We have also supported UNODC practical fraud tools, including guidance on legislation, partnerships, and prevention. These tools help countries turn global commitments into robust national action. The UK is also proud to support the new Interpol Global Fraud Task Force, which targets transnational fraud networks and industrialised scam compounds. Bilaterally, we continue to deepen cooperation, including a new memorandum of understanding on fraud between the UK and Cambodia, alongside existing agreements with Nigeria and Vietnam. Chair, the message is clear. Fraud is global, organized, and deeply harmful. The UK calls on all member states to endorse the Global Fraud Summit outcome documents and work together to disrupt criminals, protect victims, and build faster, stronger, and more coordinated responses. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States of America.

Thank you very much, Chair. We request this statement be reflected in the report. The United States takes the floor today with serious concerns about the impact of the Crime Congress. 25 years after the adoption of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption, we must ask ourselves, have we truly made an impact against organized crime? Some states have, some states have not. Instead, too many are focused on talking points and new protocols on so-called crimes that affect the environment. The United States firmly opposes a new protocol. Environmental crimes can be addressed under existing convention provisions without creating new bureaucratic layers that will be exploited to advance political agendas rather than prosecute criminals. Instead of chasing new protocols, we must demand that member states implement the conventions we already have. Many countries advocating for a new, costly protocol haven't contributed a dollar to fund existing processes such as the UNTOC review mechanism. This is unacceptable. We must also address treaty integrity. Iran ratified the UNTOC with reservations that are incompatible with the Convention's object and purpose. The United States categorically rejects Iran's impermissible reservations and calls on all member states to refuse recognition of Iran's UNTOCCOP membership under these conditions. The same principle applies to the UN Convention against Cybercrime. The United States is conducting a thorough review. We will push back against any attempt to use the Cybercrime Convention to restrict freedom of expression, curtail internet freedom, or provide cover for authoritarian surveillance and censorship. In conclusion, the United States calls on all member states to refocus this Congress on its core mission. Stop the mission creep into climate policy. Stop calling for new protocols that dilute our focus. Start implementing the treaties we've already signed. Start prosecuting criminals, including corrupt enablers. Start turning words into action. Thank you.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you, Madam President. On agenda item 5, the United Republic of Tanzania reaffirms its commitment to preventing and combating transnational organized crime, terrorism, corruption, trafficking in persons, money laundering, cybercrime, and other emerging and evolving threats. We recognize that criminal networks increasingly exploit technology, digital platforms, financial systems, and cross-border networks requiring coordinated and adaptive responses. On legal framework, Tanzania continues to strengthen its legislative and policy framework, including enactment of Economic and Organized Crimes Control Act, Prevention of Terrorism Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cyber Crimes Act, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, and the Wildlife Conservation Act. These instruments provide a basis for prevention, investigation, prosecution and disruption of serious and transnational crimes. About institutional strengthening, Tanzania promotes effective coordination among the Tanzania Police Force, intelligence and security institutions, Financial Intelligence Unit, Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, Immigration Department, Judiciary, National Prosecution Services, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence sharing, investigation, and prosecution. About capacity building and innovation, Tanzania continues to enhance institutional and professional capacity through training, technology, intelligence-led policing, financial investigation, and digital forensics to respond to emerging threats. These efforts are undertaken in accordance with human rights, due process, privacy, and the rule of law. United Republic of Tanzania identified as increasing need for specialized technical assistance in addressing the intersection between transnational organized crimes and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, and virtual assets. Criminal justice institutions currently face capacity constraints arising from the rapidly evolving nature of these technologies, including limited availability of specialized personnel within their requisite technical, investigative, forensic, and prosecutorial expertise. Finally, international cooperation. Given the transnational nature of these crimes, Tanzania emphasizes strengthened regional and international cooperation, including information and intelligence sharing, mutual legal assistance, extradition, joint investigation, and cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism and organized crimes. To conclude, Madam Chairperson, The United Republic of Tanzania remains committed to working with the Member States, the United Nations, regional organizations, and other partners to strengthen collective responses and build safe, peaceful, resilient, and secure societies. Thank you, Madam President, and all for your kind attention.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, organized crime and terrorism are no longer static threats. They are adaptive, transnational, and increasingly digital. They exploit new technology faster than our legal frameworks can respond, and they thrive where cooperation is slow and fragmented. Egypt's response to these uprising security stress is based on three main pillars which comes as follows first setting strategies instead of reacting to these challenges in an ad hoc approach in light of Egypt Egypt's pledge for justice it has committed itself to developing two comprehensive National strategies the first is against organized crime and the second is against cyber crime second legal certainty establish a targeted legislative framework to combat organized fraud, expanding our digital forensics labs, and closely considering the ratification of the UN Cybercrime Convention. Egypt also strengthened its partnership with regional and international blocs based on its firm conviction that cooperation without being based on a solid legal basis will always remain uncertain and inconsistent. Third, Egypt believes that technology must remain a tool, but never substitute the human factor. Digitization transforms how justice is delivered, but when artificial intelligence begins to touch upon the issue of judgment, this raises a cluster of questions about accuracy, biases, explainability, and accountability. Therefore, Egypt's approach towards AI has been deliberately sequential. Egypt believes that infrastructure and interconnection must come first, followed by AI under the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. Egypt believes that international legal assistance is a cornerstone in our battle against crime, and therefore calls for strength in multilateral frameworks, practical judicial cooperation, and we and ready to build capacities through Egypt's yet to become two new regional hubs, the Egyptian African Center for Training on Cyber Crime Prevention and Combating, and the Regional Training Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. Egypt stands ready to share its experience, best practices, and to learn from others in order to enhance our justice system to be more accessible, effective, and worthy of those we serve. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.

Madam President, Nigeria welcomes the consideration of this important agenda item, particularly at a time when organized criminal groups are increasingly exploiting technological advances, expanding global connectivity, and establishing illicit markets to diversify their activities and operate across national borders. Nigeria recognizes that the convergence of organized crime, terrorism, illicit financial flows, and technology presents increasingly complex challenges to criminal justice systems. The misuse of artificial intelligence, virtual assets, and digital platforms, as well as the growing incidence of cyber crime and other technology-enabled offenses require responses that are equally adaptive, coordinated, and evidence-based. Madam President, Nigeria attaches particular importance to addressing the linkages between transnational organized crime and terrorism. Criminal and terrorist networks may exploit trafficking and smuggling routes and illicit financing mechanisms to sustain their activities. Strengthening international cooperation therefore remains indispensable, particularly through information sharing, mutual legal assistance, financial intelligence, and effective cross-border investigations. We therefore welcome initiatives such as the CONNECT initiative developed in collaboration with UNODC. Nigeria also recognizes the growing importance of addressing crimes that affect the environment, organized fraud, trafficking in cultural property, and other emerging forms of criminality. These crimes increasingly transcend national jurisdictions and require stronger cooperation among law enforcement and criminal justice institutions, alongside engagements with relevant private sector and technological actors. In this regard, Nigeria underscores the importance of keeping criminal justice systems abreast of technological developments. Technology should not only be viewed as a tool exploited by criminals. It must also be harnessed to strengthen prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution. Particular attention should be given to electronic evidence, digital forensics, and the responsible use of emerging technologies while ensuring respect for applicable legal safeguards. Madam President, Nigeria further supports greater investment in the collection and analysis of reliable and disaggregated data. As criminal activities evolve rapidly, traditional statistics alone may not provide the timely information required to identify emerging trends. High quality and comparable data supported by appropriate governance frameworks and standardized methodologies can strengthen evidence-based policy making and enable states to better assess the effectiveness of crime prevention measures. Nigeria, therefore, welcomes the focus on comprehensive and all of society approaches. There is no doubt that effective responses require cooperation among governments, international and regional organizations, the private sector, as well as civil society organizations. In conclusion, Madam President, developing countries must be supported through capacity building, technical assistance, and technology transfer to strengthen the ability to respond effectively to rapidly evolving forms of crime. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru.

Good afternoon, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, President. express the warm greetings from the Peruvian delegation. Peru believes that new and evolving forms of crime present some of the greatest challenges to security, the rule of law and sustainable development. Threats are evolving, converging and transcend borders. Our multilateral response needs to also do so. Cybercrime is a clear expression of this transformation. Peru actively takes part in negotiations of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime and signed it at the end of last year, convinced of the need to have a global framework which strengthens international cooperation and facilitates access to and exchange of electronic evidence, We thereby defend technical assistance, capacity building and technology transfer, with due safeguards and in full respect of human rights. Peru also knows from its own experience the devastating impact of terrorism. As recently highlighted by the President of Peru before the UN General Assembly, our country faced and to move terrorism from our country, preserving democracy and the rule of law. This experience reaffirms our belief that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, needs to be faced with determination, effective international operations, and strict respect for international law. In addition, crimes which affect the environment are a growing threat. The deliberations of the intergovernmental expert working group on the topic, which Peru had the honour to chair, showed important gaps in national and international responses in this area. Peru believes that we need to move from diagnostics to action, including the possibility of having an additional protocol to the Convention of Palermo, which will strengthen our collective response faced with this challenge. President, cybercrime, terrorism, crimes affecting the environment are different threats, but they all reveal the same reality. Criminal networks are innovating, converging, and taking advantage of vulnerabilities. We cannot combat the threats of tomorrow only with the tools of yesterday. When crime evolves, law, international cooperation and multilateralism also need to evolve at the same speed. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative from International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Interpol works in its 196 member states to combat terrorism and organized crime that are being reshaped by new financial ecosystems, expanding criminal markets, and technological changes. Financial crime remains an enabling factor of terrorist activities, fueling recruitment, logistics, and operations. Interpol provides member states with a unique global platform of tools, intelligence capabilities, and operational mechanisms to detect, disrupt, and ultimately dismantle these financial engines of criminality. A core pillar of Interpol's work is criminal intelligence analysis. Interpol analysts examine various types of data to inform both operational and strategic intelligence reports and help national authorities address emerging threats. This analytical capacity underpins Interpol's Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment 2026. The assessment identifies a growing nexus between financial fraud and terrorism financing across Africa. One case highlighted is an Interpol-coordinated Operation Catalyst, a transnational investigation into a cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme. Affecting several countries across Africa, the scheme defrauded more than 100,000 victims. Several large value voids were later identified as potentially linked to terrorism financing networks in Central Africa. To strengthen global asset recovery, Interpol piloted the Silver Notice in 2025. Currently, Silver Notice enables 86 Member States and territories to reach out to the entire Interpol membership. So far, more than 250 Silver Notices and Diffusions have been issued. These notices allow Interpol to help jurisdictions trace illicit assets. To date, Silver Notices and Diffusions have led to the identification of over 36 million euro worth of assets. Building on these solutions to fight financial crime architecture, in 2026, Interpol introduced Operation Shadow Storm. The Shadow Storm is an international task force funded by the United Kingdom. This data-driven effort uses tools such as Interpol's iGrip stop-payment mechanism to block illicit financial flows linked to scam centers, cybercrime, and trafficking for forced criminality. In parallel, Interpol has issued new guidelines to support member states in establishing effective national anti-scum centers. Excellencies, Interpol reaffirms its commitment to supporting all nations in addressing crime in its newest and most complex forms through innovation and international cooperation. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Institute of Chartered Compliance Professionals Central Asia.

Madam Chair, Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates, I have the honour to address this Congress on behalf of the Institute of Chartered Compliance Professionals Central Asia. an institution dedicated to strengthening and advancing a profession that operates every day at the point where crime prevention meets the private sector. Now, new and evolving forms of crime increasingly exploit legitimate financial, commercial, and technological systems. Digital fraud, sanctions circumvention, trade-based money laundering, corruption, terrorist financing, and technology-facilitated financial crime demonstrate that criminal networks can adapt faster than many of the systems designed to prevent them. We, therefore, welcome the Congress' emphasis on comprehensive, whole-of-society approaches Effective prevention cannot rely on law enforcement and criminal justice actors only alone. It requires capable institutions, responsible businesses, technology providers, and importantly, competent professionals working within organizations to identify, prevent, and report risk. If crime prevention increasingly depends on preventing the criminal exploitation of legitimate economic systems, then the competence, ethics, and professional independence of those responsible for compliance within these systems are themselves part of the crime prevention infrastructure. Yet, the profession itself remains insufficiently recognized and professionally harmonized across jurisdictions. Our organization respectfully encourages the Congress to explicitly recognize compliance professionals as essential partners in modern crime prevention, particularly in strengthening public-private cooperation. organization is working to build the profession infrastructure required to address this gap. International relevant professional standards and code of ethics, independent assessment and recognition of competence, continuous education and research, and responsible use of technology, data, and artificial intelligence in compliance and financial crime prevention. We believe that compliance should be recognized internationally as a distinct professional field, including through appropriate occupational recognition within international classification of occupations. Such recognition can help establish a common professional identity and enable the expertise of compliance professionals to be better integrated into national, regional, and international crime prevention strategies. The compliance community represents a significant pool of practical knowledge, expertise, and preventive tools. Its contribution should not remain fragmented or invisible. ICCP stands ready to work with member states, international organizations, regulators, businesses, and professional communities to strengthen this capacity and build this whole of society approach to crime prevention. If crime is evolving across borders and sectors, our professional response must evolve with it. Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the St. John Wildlife Justice Commission.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it's an honor to address you today on behalf of the Wildlife Justice Commission. We work alongside governments globally to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking and other crimes that affect the environment. As this Congress convenes, species are vanishing, forests are burning, and rivers are being poisoned. These aren't distant threats. They're unfolding now, driven in large part by serious transnational organized crime, facilitated by corruption, and often converging with drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities. These crimes devastate ecosystems and climate, undermine governance and public health, and pose significant economic and social costs, hindering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They must be treated seriously. We welcome the growing recognition of the UN Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime and against Corruption as critical instruments for preventing, investigating, and prosecuting these crimes and associated corruption including in recent resolutions. Together, they offer a comprehensive toolkit encouraging the use of tools such as special investigative techniques, financial and anti-corruption strategies, joint investigations, anti-money laundering measures, and international cooperation. Yet these tools remain too often unavailable or underused in environmental crime cases. Many environmental offenses still fail to meet the UNTOC's serious crime threshold, limiting access to crucial international cooperation mechanisms. Enforcement agencies often lack resources, training, and coordination to act. Financial and specialized investigative tools are rarely used, letting high-level offenders and illicit proceeds slip through the net. We therefore encourage States to build on the discussions under the UNTOC Intergovernmental Expert Group and at the 13th Conference of the Parties to the UNTOC to establish an ad hoc committee with a mandate to negotiate a dedicated protocol on crimes that affect the environment. A protocol would provide the common legal foundation needed to harmonize criminalization, strengthen international cooperation and enforcement, and enable the systemic use of UNTOC tools. Pending its entry into force, existing UNTOC provisions must be fully utilized. We also urge States to prioritize tackling the corruption driving these crimes by fully implementing commitments set out in UNCCOP Resolution 11/9, adopted by consensus last year. The 15th Crime Congress is a timely and critical opportunity for States to close persistent legal and enforcement gaps and strengthen the global response to these crimes. Forests, species and ecosystems lost today won't return tomorrow. Waiting isn't an option. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Wildlife Conservation Society.

Thank you, Madam President. the honor of speaking on behalf of the Working Group on Crimes that Affect the Environment of the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which brings together civil society organizations working on this issue across the multilateral system. Madam President, crimes that affect the environment are among the most profitable forms of transnational organized crime. Their impacts extend far beyond ecological damage, driving corruption, undermining governance, threatening public health and security, and eroding sustainable livelihoods for generations. From a civil society perspective, we believe three things are urgently needed to make an impact on the ground. First, a greater focus on prevention. The harm from these crimes, cleared forests, poached terrestrial and marine animals and plants, poisoned waterways often cannot be reversed. States must invest in efforts that address root causes, such as alternative livelihoods, demand reduction, and community engagement. Second, the justice and law enforcement continuum. States should criminalize environmental offenses in line with the serious crime threshold under the Antoc to ensure its full applications as well as criminalize the import of wildlife products acquired in contravention of national laws of the source country. We also encourage states to equip investigators, prosecutors, and judges with clear mandates, powers, and training to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate the networks behind these crimes. treat offences as predicate crimes for money laundering, use financial investigations to trace proceeds, and strengthen international cooperation so that networks cannot evade justice across borders. Third, and finally, partnership. Civil society is not a silent bystander in this fight. We provide technical expertise, research, data, training, monitoring, and fill knowledge gaps. encourage states to formalize multi-stakeholder partnerships and guarantee a safe and enabling environment for environmental defenders and whistleblowers. We command the momentum built through the UNTOC intergovernmental expert group on crimes that affect the environment and the new language on this issue, including the Abu Dhabi Declaration. Building on these efforts, states have a unique opportunity to secure ambitious action within the next five-year global crime agenda, in particular at the upcoming 13th Conference of the Parties to the UNTOC. We urge states to make the most of this historic opportunity and launch negotiations of an additional protocol on crimes that affect the environment. Madam Chair, to achieve the goals of the Abu Dhabi Declaration and protect people and planet, commitments must now be matched with implementation. The coming months provide opportunities to transform political consensus into coordinated action. We urge states to act with the urgency that this challenge demands. Thank you.

Thank you. Distinguished delegates, are there any other participants who would like to make a statement under agenda item 5 today? Can you just raise your hands, please. Thank you. I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Islamic Republic of Iran, who has asked for the right to reply in accordance with rule 22 of the rules of procedure. Such reply should please be as brief as possible.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm taking the floor to respond to the representative of the US who, regarding the Iran accession to the Anti-Convention. It seems that they should be taught the very basic principles of international law of treaty and the legal formalities for accession to treaties, as well as the process designed for other states, parties to react to the reservation of a state party, some of which are being briefly shared as follows. First, according to the international law of treaty, states are entitled to make reservations upon ratification or accession to a treaty, provided that such treaty has not banned making reservation, which is not the case for the UNTAC. Second, Iran, like many other countries, has made its reservation to this convention, and even the United States has made several reservation to the on some of which are clearly inconsistent with the object and purposes of the convention there in the event of making reservation all their states are entitled to react through the established mechanism which for the on is to send formally their opinion to the United Nations Secretary General and the US has done this regarding Iran's reservations. Fourth, the legal effect of objection of one state party to the reservation of other state party is well defined in the international law of treaty, based on which the relevant original provision of the treaty will be applicable between them. So the matter is very clear and simple, and that's why we believe The US representative has misused this august body once again to raise an irrelevant and out-of-context comment. I thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the United States of America. Using your right of reply. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States would indeed like to exercise its right of reply. The United States has joined several states in submitting objections to the reservations made by Iran upon its ratification to UNTOC. With regard to the reservations made by the Islamic Republic of Iran upon its ratification of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the Government of the United States of America, after careful review, considers Iran's reservations numbered 1, 3, and 4 to be incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention. namely to promote cooperation to prevent and combat transnational organized crime more effectively. The uncommon nature and breadth of Iran's reservations are so extensive as to vitiate the obligations under the Convention. The Government of the United States of America notes that, under established principles of international treaty law, as reflected in Article 19 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a reservation that is incompatible with the object and purpose of the treaty shall not be permitted. The Government of the United States of America therefore objects to the reservations made by the Government of Iran upon its ratification of the Convention. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Islamic Republic of Iran for its right of reply.

Thank you, Madam President. Well, very briefly, the comments that was raised proved prove that what I have said, that they misuse this august body to raise their voice. But first of all, the US is not in a position to speak on behalf of any other countries. They only can speak on their behalf, which they have done by their official position addressed to the Secretary-General. Second of all, Though there are many principles in the customary international law of treaty, I just to remind everybody that Iran has not ratified the convention on the law of treaty, and that's why that convention cannot be invoked against Iran. As I mentioned, everything in the law of treaty is very clear, and I invite everybody in the room to preserve the professional nature of this august body and put aside their politicized maneuvering. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anyone that wants to speak? Anyone else? Thank you. I would like to adjourn the meeting. We will resume the session tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Thank you very much. The meeting is adjourned.