Rising threat of transregional organised crime takes centre stage at INTERPOL Americas meeting

NASSAU, Bahamas – The significant threat posed by transnational organized crime and the associated increase in violence are the focus of INTERPOL’s 26th Regional Conference on the Americas.

The impact that generative artificial intelligence and syndicates that split to maximize profit have on key criminal threats such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms trafficking and cybercrime will also be discussed during the three-day meeting (11-13 September).

The conference, which was attended by senior law enforcement officials from 35 countries in the region and beyond, was opened by Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, who said:

“Our collective success depends on our ability to work together, pooling our resources, intelligence and best practices.

“This shared approach strengthens our ability to anticipate, prevent and respond to criminal activities that threaten the security and stability of our countries.”

Operational results

Delegates will also be briefed on the results of INTERPOL-coordinated operations to combat trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants (Turquesa), firearms (Trigger) and drug trafficking (Lionfish).

These operations have been carried out for many years and not only produce results in terms of arrests and victim rescues, but they also develop strong networks of specialists that allow for direct and reliable information exchange in follow-up investigations.

INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi said:

“Transnational organized crime – closely linked to drug trafficking – is a serious global threat that we must focus our attention on this week as it weakens public security, governance and economies in the Americas and the Caribbean.

“This underscores the need for a strong, coordinated approach, in which INTERPOL’s global network is crucial.”

Common voice for the police

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

“Law enforcement officers today are witnessing an unprecedented increase in transnational threats or crises on a global scale.

“A convergence driven by a never-ending thirst of criminal networks to expand their transcontinental reach and maximize their illicit proceeds.

“INTERPOL plays a crucial role in this: it provides the police with a common voice – for a safer, if more complex, world.”

The amount of data shared by the Americas has nearly quadrupled in the past decade – from 11.6 million to just under 44 million, making it the fastest-growing region in terms of sharing police information.

Furthermore, it was found that in 2024, two-thirds of all arrests of internationally wanted fugitives reported to INTERPOL involved at least one National Central Bureau in the Americas.