On October 15, 2024, UNODC Global Programme on Implementing the Organized Crime Convention unveiled new Issue Paper on Organized Fraud during a side event at the 12th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (COP12).
This event, organized by the Republic of Singapore and co-sponsored by the United Kingdom featured a panel discussion, which included a former professional enabler, a fraud victim, and a government representative from Singapore Police Force. The panel delved into the complexities of organized fraud, discussing its drivers, offending patterns, and effective deterrence measures. The event provided a platform for sharing real-life stories from both sides of the fraud equation – the perpetrator and the victim, as well as government initiatives to investigate perpetrators and provide assistance, and support to the victims.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Gregory Foo representing Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Mr. Duncan Tessier from the United Kingdom Home Office. Mr. Foo highlighted the alarming statistics noting that in Singapore in 2023 alone there were over 26,000 cases of organized fraud and thanked UNODC for facilitating a platform to address the growing issue of organized fraud and scams. Mr. Tessier emphasized the need for global cooperation to tackle organized fraud, stating that “There is an increased consensus and understanding that we need to address the issue of organized fraud. We need law enforcement partners from all over the world to work together to tackle this growing problem.”
Ms. Riikka Puttonen, representing UNODC Global Programme on Implementing UNTOC, presented the new UNODC“Issue Paper on Organized Fraud” highlighting some of the key findings and recommendations, including responses to prevent and combat organized fraud focused on preventing organized crime, pursuing organized criminal groups, protecting vulnerable persons and the victims, as well as promoting partnerships and cooperation at all levels. The launch of the Issue Paper was timely in light of the newly adopted COP12 resolution entitled “Implementation of the provisions on technical assistance of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime” which contains recommendationson organized fraud. She noted that “Fraud today isn’t just reserved for the headlines or high-profile cases. We are all potential victims in this interconnected world. Fraudsters are masters of deception, blending into their environment like wolves in sheep’s clothing. There is a growing recognition that we need to take collective action to tackle this threat".
Following the presentation of the Issue Paper, the panel discussion started with Mr. Jonathan Gilbert, a former professional enabler, who shared his personal journey of “ethical slippage” that initially caused him to commit fraud. He highlighted how ambition, greed, and emotional frailty can lead to complicity in the scam. “I had to do things to prevent fraud from being detected, as the idea was that we stay in the game,” he explained. Thereafter, Mr. Kim Sawyer, former victim of fraud talked about the importance of international collaboration and information sharing, as fraudulent activities transcend national borders. “The financial impact was great, but the emotional impact subsequent to the fraud was far, far greater”, he stated. Mr. Sawyer recognized the importance of the new UNODC publication in advocating for policies to identify and protect countless victims of fraud that suffer immense financial losses and psychological distress. The last panellist, Ms. Aileen Yap from Singapore Police Force talked about the most prevalent types of scams in Singapore, such as e-commerce fraud, employment fraud, phishing, and impersonation scams. Ms. Yap emphasized the importance of a whole-of-society approaches and regional cooperation in combating organized fraud. “Collaboration and public education are key to fighting organized fraud,” she concluded.
The Issue Paper on Organized Fraud is one of the key components of a larger, UNODC-led project on preventing and combating organized fraud, and is available here.
