Transnational Crime: A Threat to Global Security and Prosperity

Dr Imran Ali Sandano

As the world is moving towards intensive interdependence, transnational crimes have emerged as a formidable challenge to global security and prosperity.

Transnational criminals work in an organized manner and operate across borders. These criminal networks engage in a myriad of illicit activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, money laundering, cybercrime, and environmental offenses – also known as nontraditional security threats.  

These kinds of crimes are undermining the rule of law, destabilizing economies, and eroding public trust in institutions. These multifaceted issues require concerted international effort and a shared commitment to upholding sovereignty and human security.

It is important to mention that transnational crimes are not confined to any particular country or region. It is a global phenomenon that manoeuvers the vulnerabilities of interdependent economies and governing systems.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also believes that transnational crimes cover a wide range of illegal activities. These activities are very profitable and attracting ordinary people, but their implications are at a global level.

Southeast Asia is one of the examples that face multiple transnational crimes. In recent times, cyber scams have become more proliferated in the region.

The UN also shows its concerns and highlights the expansion of such activities, which are not traditional in nature. Meanwhile, in its recent report, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America are facing cyber scams on a larger scale, which are also involving human trafficking.

Likewise, the illicit drugs pose a great challenge to regions like Afghanistan and Colombia. Their drug production and trafficking have expanded conflicts, which are ultimately creating problems for the authorities.

The impacts of transnational crimes on the economy are profound. Money laundering is one of the profound segments of it. According to an estimation, $1.6 trillion is annually flowing illegally, which is a significant drain of world resources.

There are multiple channels of money laundering that work through complex and secret networks. Such networks are depriving the governments of revenue, which is essential for economic development.   

Apart from money laundering, transnational crimes exacerbate public health and social inequalities. The trafficking of fake medicines poses a direct threat to the low-income people, which creates social inequality.  

The World Health Organization attributes more than 1 million deaths every year to falsified medical products; hence, coordinated international action is required on such a pressing matter.

International cooperation is important; however, it will always be pursued with respect for national sovereignty. Actions taken towards the elimination of transnational crimes must be based on the rule of law and should not infringe on individual rights.

Legal frameworks, judicial capacities, and transparency should always be improved and strengthened as parts of balanced and effective responses.

There is also a need to address the basic causes of transnational crimes; many believe that poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity are the main causes. Investment in education as well as economic development and social inclusion will make states less attractive to criminal enterprises and will build up communities against them.

In this holistic approach, it corresponds with the sustainable development goals and thereby reinforces the interlinkage between security and development.

As mentioned earlier, transnational crime not only endangers state security but also has a profound effect on the well-being of individuals; hence, it is fundamentally a human security issue.

The UN views human security as an approach that helps member states identify and respond to pervasive and cross-cutting threats to the survival, livelihood, and dignity of their people.

A typical example is human trafficking, which is a common form of transnational crime. The direct victims face violations of rights and dignity usually emanating from vulnerable populations.

Similarly, the proliferation of counterfeit medicines endangers public health, particularly in regions with limited access to quality healthcare.​

Human security is one of the prominent tools to respond to transnational crimes. It focuses on protecting and empowering individuals and addressing the root causes of such transnational crimes, which have direct or indirect linkages with human security issues.

I think human security should be integrated with counter strategies for transnational crimes. It would create an environment in which criminal activities will be suppressed and will create resilience within masses. This approach would create impact and foster sustainable peace development.

As I mentioned earlier, transnational crimes are multidimensional and operate across borders, which means they require holistic and international cooperation. The existence of UNODC is one of the prominent examples of a comprehensive framework of such cooperation.  

Transnational crime is operating in different modes; it needs nontraditional techniques to deal with continuous innovation. It will happen when states enhance their capabilities and information sharing with each other.

The UN Secretary General has highlighted the significance of a collective approach and multilateral cooperation on transnational crimes. He urged that member states fully execute the UNTOC for the common good.

Transnational crimes represent a situation in which we face multiple threats at the global level. It is high time to respond comprehensively in a collective manner without challenging anyone’s national sovereignty.

The the collective efforts of the international community towards breaking up these criminal syndicates to pave the way for a safer and fairer world.