Follow the money. Stop organized crime.

Transnational organized crime is a growing global threat that is harming and exploiting individuals, communities, economies, and the planet. From illegal drug trafficking and deforestation, to cybercrime, human trafficking, and trafficking in firearms and key minerals, transnational organized crime is ubiquitous, with organized criminal groups earning billions of dollars in illegal profits every year.

The humanitarian cost of transnational organized crime

The staggering profits of organized crime come at a huge humanitarian cost. according toUnited Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Global Homicide Study 2023Between 2015 and 2021, approximately 22% of intentional homicide incidents worldwide, resulting in around 100000 deaths annually, were related to organized crime. Moreover, this kind of harm is not only reflected in the direct loss of life. Organized crime fuels conflicts, undermines peace, security, and the rule of law. Counterfeit drugs threaten public health, illegal logging and mining damage natural resources, waste dumping pollutes rivers, and deceives people's savings, while economic crimes and money laundering undermine the financial system and erode people's trust in institutions.

Different crimes have different victims, but the culprit is the same: organized crime networks.

High level event commemorating the Second International Day for the Prevention and Combating of All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime

November 11, 2025
11：30 CET

agenda |leaflet | United Nations Network Television

Driven by profit

The ability to create, transfer, conceal, and reinvest illegal profits enables organized criminal groups to maintain and expand their businesses, and many organizations are also involved in other types of crime.

Nowadays, organized criminal groups use increasingly complex digital tools, advanced network technology, emerging technologies, cryptocurrencies, and shell companies to hide the sources and destinations of illegal funds. Illegal funds can now flow faster, farther, and more covertly than ever before, crossing borders with just a click of a button, often beyond the reach of traditional law enforcement tools and capabilities.

take action

To effectively combat organized crime, we must target the financial system it relies on. Tracking illegal financial flows related to organized crime can reveal the networks behind the crime, enabling law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal activities, prosecute criminals, and recover stolen assets.

Only by working together across departments and borders can we break the economic pillar of organized crime.

But following funds is not just about stopping criminals. Reducing economic incentives that drive organized crime can also help restore judicial justice and ensure long-term sustainable development.