The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is making cybercrime more accessible, convincing, and difficult to counter. In a recent statement, the UNODC highlighted that AI is not creating new crimes, but rather facilitating existing ones. This enables scammers to launch more attacks at a lower cost, with less technical expertise, and with more credible content. As a result, governments are urged to cooperate more closely to combat these borderless networks.
The use of AI has significantly changed the methods of deception, particularly in phishing messages designed to obtain sensitive data. These messages can now be produced in multiple languages and without the grammatical errors or awkward phrasing that previously served as indicators. Additionally, generative tools allow for the creation of realistic images, audio recordings, and videos, paving the way for more sophisticated identity impersonation. This threat affects not only individuals but also businesses, administrations, and financial institutions.
The UNODC notes that AI helps malicious actors automate certain steps, personalize their messages, and multiply attempts without recruiting more people. This is part of a broader trend of professionalization of cybercrime, with a growing market for illicit services offering malware, phishing kits, and access to compromised systems. The required level of expertise to exploit these services has decreased, making it easier for individuals to engage in cybercrime.
According to the UNODC, tasks that previously required hours of work or specialized skills can now be replicated quickly and on a large scale. This industrialization of fraud makes detection more complex for both victims and authorities. The consequences of this trend extend beyond financial losses, with the UNODC and the European Union previously warning about the proliferation of scam centers where human trafficking victims are forced to engage in fraudulent activities.
In July, the UNODC and the European Union estimated that over 300,000 people are being exploited in Southeast Asia, with digital scams generating between $18 billion and $37 billion in illicit profits in 2023. These networks often recruit workers through fake job offers and then hold them in abusive conditions. The UNODC emphasizes that the international dimension of these activities poses a significant challenge, with investigations complicated by differing legislation and slow judicial cooperation mechanisms.
To address these challenges, the UNODC cites the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which aims to facilitate the exchange of electronic evidence and establish a continuous cooperation network. Open for signature since October 2025, the convention has been signed by 96 states, but only three have ratified it, with 40 ratifications needed for it to come into force. The impact of the convention remains uncertain, but it is seen as a crucial step towards combating cybercrime.
The UNODC's warning highlights the need for governments to work together to combat the growing threat of AI-fueled cybercrime. The organization's concerns emphasize the importance of international cooperation and the development of effective strategies to address this complex issue. As cybercrime continues to evolve, it is essential for governments, businesses, and individuals to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing and responding to these threats.
Key points
- AI is facilitating existing cybercrimes, making them more accessible and convincing.
- The UNODC warns that the industrialization of fraud makes detection more complex for victims and authorities.
- The UN Convention against Cybercrime aims to facilitate international cooperation and combat cybercrime.
