Global Initiative

We’ll be leaving X in the coming weeks. To stay connected with our latest research, analysis & updates, follow us on: LinkedIn: buff.ly/JODJu88 Facebook: buff.ly/lD6kKUw Instagram: @gi_toc We look forward to continuing the conversation with you there.

US and Israeli strikes on Iran threaten to reshape security dynamics across the region. Iran has long harnessed illicit markets as tools of statecraft. What happens next could have seismic impacts on organized crime? Read our analysis: buff.ly/krnQbgA

🫂 When someone disappears due to organized crime, the harm extends far beyond the individual —impacting families and entire communities. This guide outlines practical steps: document, report, mobilize, and seek support. Learn more: buff.ly/JXBGz9W #GIResilience

Fighting in Sudan has largely remained within its borders. But cross-border flows of mercenaries, weapons & smuggling economies are reshaping security across the region. Border criminal economies are drawing Chad further into the conflict. Learn more: buff.ly/cDjr9bm

🔫Our new report examines arms trafficking dynamics in central & south-eastern Europe, focusing on Poland, Czechia & Slovakia. 👉 Harmonized EU standards & multinational enforcement operations have significantly altered the trafficking landscape: buff.ly/cPAXR83

2/ From AI and crime-as-a-service to political protection and global money-laundering networks, the discussion highlighted the scale of the challenge – and the need to think, act and cooperate differently going forward Learn more in our new report: buff.ly/0vKphfY

At the Global Fraud Summit in Vienna, GI-TOC experts joined partners to discuss the rapid global expansion of scam centres and its implications for the future of organized crime 1/ 🧵👇

Why do some Nigerian scam networks operate from South Africa? This video explores how cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town offer security, financial access and lifestyle benefits —while much of the money ultimately flows back to Nigeria 👇

In Haiti, gang violence & ongoing crisis threaten youth & communities. COSOFH and CHFF, in collaboration with #GIResilience, empower people by mentoring & training displaced youth & those living in gang-controlled neighborhoods, & reclaiming safe spaces: buff.ly/YFUH9hw

⛏️ Illegal mining in Ghana contaminates water, destroys livelihoods & deepens women’s economic dependence. Through the EmpowerHER Project, @AgnesAtanga helps women build sustainable businesses & reduce reliance on illegal mining. 🎥 buff.ly/7MvZyBN #GIResilience

A deadly landslide at the Rubaya mine in eastern DRC has reportedly killed around 200 people, including 70 children. The site has been under M23 control since 2024, linking armed group rule, illicit mineral flows & unsafe mining. 📹 Check what happened:buff.ly/tGr9Ev8

Scam centres are now a global criminal industry, generating an estimated $1 trillion in 2024 —about 1% of global GDP. 👉Our new report, “A World of Deceit,” explores the different shapes and forms & launches Monday: buff.ly/RjhBedq

3/ In parallel, 2025 data shows a decrease in the ability of nine states to be resilient to the pressure and harms of criminal markets. As the challenge escalates, the response is falling further behind. Learn more: buff.ly/tovb1HE

2/ Between 2023 and 2025, the synthetic drug trade became the fastest-growing criminal market across West Africa. In six countries, the impact of synthetic drug-based criminal markets worsened 🧵👇

West Africa’s synthetic drug market has sharply expanded over the past five years. Consumption of synthetic drugs far outstrips that of cocaine or heroin and is reaching unprecedented levels 1/🧵👇

@GermanyUNVienna @CanAmbAustria @NZinVienna @UKMissionVienna At Malta’s CND side event on “Bridging the Social, Health, and Justice Domains”, discussions highlighted the importance of bridging the traditional divide between security and public health approaches in responding to drug markets. @MaltaEmbVienna

@GermanyUNVienna @CanAmbAustria @NZinVienna @UKMissionVienna A side event on the Accra Call to Action on Drug Markets in West Africa highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation to tackle organized crime linked to illicit drug markets while promoting human rights, security and sustainable development.

A busy week for GIT-OC at the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna. Across several side events, our experts shared research and insights on evolving drug markets and responses to organized crime. 🧵 @GermanyUNVienna @CanAmbAustria @NZinVienna

📉Falling seizure volumes at major European ports do not necessarily reflect a contraction of the cocaine market. 👉Indicators drawn from wholesale pricing, retail availability & field-based qualitative market observations point otherwise: buff.ly/BpXeDYi