Global Scans · Crime · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: Crime is morphing away from traditional methods to more sophisticated technological approaches. A decline of traditional hierarchical criminal groups and networks will be accompanied by the expansion of a virtual criminal underground made up of individual criminal entrepreneurs. At the same time, forward-looking agencies are equipping themselves with smart technologies to outfox the criminals. Keep up to date with crime changes below.

• Looking forward to 2024, the HKMA plans to focus on balancing digital innovation with risk management, enhancing operational resilience, combating financial crimes, protecting consumers, and supporting sustainable practices. Fintech Hong Kong
• £2 million of Arts and Humanities Research Council funding is being announced today, which will support new research projects that will help to define what responsible AI AI looks like across sectors such as education, policing and the creative industries. TechFinancials
• Any move by Israel to extend its full-scale invasion of Gaza into the massively overcrowded southern city of Rafah could lead to war crimes which must be prevented at all costs. UN News
• In recent years, local councils in the United Kingdom have found themselves in the crosshairs of cyber criminals, facing a surge in cyber attacks that threaten the security and confidentiality of sensitive data. Amicis Group
• If last year showed the potential of AI technology, 2024 is set to be the year that enterprises see even more value in using it to fight financial crime. SymphonyAI
• The terror group will respond very soon to a proposal that includes extended pauses in Gaza fighting, and phased releases of Hamas-held hostages in the Strip and Palestinians jailed in Israel. The Times of Israel
• China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran will conduct everything from espionage to cyber crime to achieve their respective goals. SADA
• Belligerent states and their proxies will continue to test the commitment and security cooperation of US partners if the United States does not hold the Iranian regime accountable for its state-sponsored terrorism. Atlantic Council
• There might be some [Hamas] cells in different places in Europe, but the main concern is how certain already-radicalized groups might react to [the war in Gaza] and decide to act through terrorism. CNN
• Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users, marking an end to a feature that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates. Insurance Journal
• Prisons in El Salvador have historically been breeding grounds for crime, and while authorities are in control of prison facilities, it is not clear what will happen once convicts eventually are released. Insight Crime
• Long-term security assistance to meet the shared adversity of terrorism must not be put at risk by the threatening posture posed against the United States and its security partner, Jordan. Atlantic Council
• One major concern is the Biden administration's decision this month to return the Houthis to a U.S. list of terrorist organizations - an attempt to isolate the group that aid workers warn could complicate efforts to deliver relief in an already fragile humanitarian landscape. Washington Post
• A Russian victory would mean that nuclear states - Pakistan, India, North Korea, Iran - would become unstable and could result in terrorists getting their hands on nuclear weapons and launching terror attacks on the streets of Europe. Daily Mail
• Ransomware continues to be the most acute cyber threat facing UK organizations and businesses, with cyber criminals adapting their business models to gain efficiencies and maximise profits. FinExtra
• On the Middle East, in addition to the current situation in and around Gaza and European peace efforts, ministers are expected to discuss the creation of a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in the Red Sea. www.euractiv.com
• Iran's Friday statement said that it expected Pakistan to adhere to its obligations in preventing the establishment of bases and the deployment of armed terrorist groups on its soil, calling the safety of its citizens a red line. Al Jazeera
• EU member states gave initial backing earlier this week for the creation of a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in the Red Sea, which have threatened major international merchant ship lanes. www.euractiv.com
• If the court rules in favour of South Africa, a major world power - supported by the US and much of the Western world - will have been found to have committed what has, historically, been the most notorious of crimes. The Conversation
• The proposed amendment to the Criminal Code will facilitate Canada's engagement to address humanitarian crises and advance human rights globally, including in Afghanistan. GAC

Last updated: 10 February 2024