by István Kopácsi
After the agreement on EL PAcCTO 2.0 was introduced in November 2023, the program to combat transnational crime was officially launched in March 2024 in Panama City. The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union in combating transnational organized crime through technological and legal strategies.[1]
The study, titled Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime,[2] published by EL PAcCTO 2.0 in November 2024, examines the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of organized crime, law enforcement, and justice systems. AI is recognized as both a tool of immense opportunity and a cause of serious concern due to its potential misuse by criminals. The analysis focuses on the regions of Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, aiming to understand how AI shapes criminal activities and how justice and security institutions adopt AI to counteract these threats.
AI has emerged as a transformative force across industries, and its adoption in criminal activities and justice systems reflects this trend. Criminal organizations increasingly use AI tools to scale operations, bypass traditional security measures, and maximize efficiency. Simultaneously, justice institutions are integrating AI into policing, predictive analytics, and judicial processes to strengthen responses to these emerging threats. However, this dual use of AI brings significant challenges, such as the need for ethical and regulatory frameworks, technological readiness, and capacity-building in vulnerable regions.
The document highlights the growing sophistication of criminal networks and the urgency for governments to respond with ethical and technological measures that balance public security with the protection of human rights. It also underscores that while AI can revolutionize criminal justice, it must be implemented with care to avoid unintended consequences like bias, privacy violations, or loss of human oversight.[3]
Crimes committed using AI tools
Numerous crimes exploit AI to enhance efficiency, scalability, and evasion of detection. Criminal organizations leverage AI across various domains, including cybercrime, drug trafficking, human exploitation, financial fraud, and extortion.
In the digital realm, cybercrime has become one of the most AI-dependent areas. Algorithms automate phishing attacks,[4] generate deepfake content, bypass cybersecurity protocols with advanced malware, manipulate social media and in addition to these, criminal organizations develop their own AI software to create malware like ransomware,[5] which has led to more sophisticated cyberattacks. AI enables the creation of realistic deepfakes for impersonation, fraud, and blackmail, as seen in cases where scammers used face-swapping and voice-mimicking technologies to trick victims into transferring large sums of money.[6] These tools not only make scams more convincing but also allow criminals with minimal technical expertise to carry out sophisticated attacks.
Organized crime groups have embraced AI to optimize smuggling operations. AI-powered drones autonomously transport drugs, conduct surveillance, and even launch attacks against rival groups or law enforcement. Machine learning algorithms analyze border patrol patterns, helping traffickers identify the safest routes and times to move contraband.[7] In some cases, AI-controlled drones function as lethal autonomous weapons, raising concerns about their use in narco-terrorism and urban violence.[8]
AI also enhances financial crimes, including money laundering and fraud. Algorithms facilitate identity theft,[9] allowing criminals to open fake accounts or evade regulatory systems through cryptocurrency exchanges. AI-powered tools like chatbots automate romance scams, fraudulent investment schemes, and extortion, creating highly personalized messages to deceive victims. Criminals exploit AI’s ability to process large datasets, generating false content and manipulating digital platforms to expand their reach.
AI’s role in human trafficking and sexual exploitation has also intensified.[10] Machine learning tools identify and target vulnerable individuals through social media, while deepfake technology is used to create fake explicit images for blackmail or distribution. AI tools help automate content creation and distribution across illegal networks, increasing the scale and anonymity of such operations.
Criminal organizations further exploit AI in areas like satellite imagery, real-time surveillance, and content manipulation. Tools like Google Earth allow precise planning of smuggling routes,[11] while AI-driven social media algorithms enable the spread of misinformation, harassment, and extortion campaigns.
Use of AI tools by justice and security institutions
Justice and security institutions have increasingly adopted AI tools to enhance their capabilities in combating organized crime. Law enforcement agencies leverage AI for predictive policing, crime detection, surveillance, and case management. Examples include the use of facial recognition, gunshot detection and identification, forensic evidence comparison, crime scene reconstruction and virtual reality.[12] By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms identify patterns, predict crime hotspots, and optimize resource allocation. Tools like Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR),[13] and natural language processing (NLP)[14] assist in tracking criminals, analyzing evidence, and streamlining investigations.
Initiatives like the INSPECTr Project demonstrate AI’s potential in cross-border investigations.[15] Funded by the European Union, INSPECTr integrates machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics to improve evidence collection, analysis, and exchange across jurisdictions. AI enhances predictive analysis, helping institutions anticipate criminal behavior and strengthen decision-making processes. Blockchain ensures the traceability and integrity of evidence, critical for judicial proceedings involving organized crime.[16]
Judicial systems are also benefiting from AI through automation of repetitive tasks, such as document analysis, sentencing recommendations, and risk assessments.[17] Tools like Spain’s VioGén System assess risks in cases of gender-based violence, enabling proactive protection for victims.[18] In countries like the Netherlands, AI predicts recidivism rates and monitors compliance with alternative measures to imprisonment, such as parole or house arrest.[19]
Projects like UNESCO’s AI guidelines[20] and the European Ethical Charter on AI in Judicial Systems[21] emphasize the importance of ethical implementation. These frameworks promote transparency, non-discrimination, and human oversight to ensure AI tools align with principles of justice and human rights. The CEPEJ[22] Resource Centre on Cyberjustice and Artificial Intelligence provides a repository of best practices and AI tools for judicial systems, fostering collaboration among member states to improve digital transformation in the justice sector.[23]
Recommendations
The document concludes with recommendations to address AI’s dual role in organized crime and justice systems. Governments are urged to develop solid and ethical regulatory frameworks to govern AI use, balancing security needs with the protection of fundamental rights. Legislation must address the misuse of AI for criminal purposes while ensuring transparency, accountability, and human oversight in its implementation by authorities.
International cooperation between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean is essential to combat transnational organized crime. Collaborative initiatives, such as shared databases, training programs, and cross-border investigations, can strengthen institutional capacities and improve information exchange. Public-private partnerships are also critical, as technology companies play a key role in developing AI tools, detecting misuse, and implementing safeguards against malicious activities.[24]
Establishing and enhancing specialized law enforcement units dedicated to cybercrime and AI misuse will enable a quicker and more efficient response. These units must be equipped with skilled personnel and advanced technological resources to address the complex threats posed by AI systems and applications.[25]
Investment in training and technological resources is another priority. Law enforcement, judicial authorities, and security agencies require specialized training to understand AI tools, analyze data, and use technology effectively in investigations. Building digital infrastructure and adopting standardized evaluation processes for AI projects will further enhance institutional readiness.[26]
Public awareness campaigns are recommended to educate citizens about the risks of AI misuse, such as deepfakes, scams, and misinformation. Promoting a culture of digital literacy and skepticism can help individuals identify and respond to emerging threats.[27]
Conclusion
In conclusion, the report underscores the transformative impact of AI on both criminal activities and justice systems. While AI offers immense potential to enhance security, efficiency, and decision-making, its misuse by organized crime poses significant challenges. By adopting ethical frameworks, fostering international cooperation, and investing in capacity-building, governments can leverage AI as a force for good while mitigating its risks. The study calls for urgent action to ensure AI technologies are implemented responsibly, protecting citizens’ rights and strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime.[28]
[1] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/new-means-fight-transnational-crime-between-eu-and-latin-america-and-caribbean-launch-el-paccto-20-2024-03-12_en
[2] https://www.fiiapp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ELPACCTO2-IAyCrimen-EN.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawHH1yxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSB-xqTxyp6sbUrDj_ThqH8rD7v0Ku-fD3U84JCSGP8f5aTZqtWS_VSbUw_aem_kVbhfiaul3-GocG_vJBEVg
[3] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 6-7.
[4] Ibid, 37-38.
[5] Ibid, 10.
[6] https://www.unodc.org/roseap/uploads/documents/Publications/2024/Casino_Underground_Banking_Report_2024.pdf
[7] National School of Political and Administrative Studies. Artificial Intelligence – a Double-Edged Sword. Organised Crime`s AI v. Law Enforcement`s AI
[8] LAMAS LOPEZ, F., & PERALTA GUTIERREZ, A. (2023). Public International Law Framework and Military Uses of Artificial Intelligence in the EU. Revista Electrónica De Estudios Internacionales, (46), 505–525. https://doi.org/10.36151/reei.46.17
[9] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 36-37.
[10] Ibid, 39-41.
[11] https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/malicious_uses_and_abuses_ of_artificial_intelligence_europol.pdf
[12] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 51-58.
[13] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 10-11.
[14] Ibid, 48-49.
[15] https://inspectr-project.eu/
[16] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 45.
[17] Garrett, B. L., Rudin, C., Williams, L. N., Beale, S. S., Benjamin, S., Boyle, J., Buccafusco, C., Dellinger, W., Fergusen, A., Griffin, L., Grunwald, B., Helfer, L., Kang, S., Lemos, M., Meltzer, A., Park, H., Purdy, J., Rai, A., Siegel, N., … Weiner, J. (2023). The right to a glass box: Rethinking the use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice.
[18] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 52.
[19] Ibid, 63.
[20] https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000390781
[21] https://www.coe.int/en/web/cepej/cepej-european-ethical-charter-on-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-judicial-systems-and-their-environment
[22] European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice
[23] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 43-44.
[24] EL PAcCTO 2.0: Artificial Intelligence and Organised Crime, 70.
[25] Ibid, 69.
[26] Ibid, 70.
[27] Ibid, 70.
[28] Ibid, 72-73.
