United response urged against soaring cyber, financial crime

The increasing threat of cybercrime and financial crime, fuelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and resulting in an estimated $1.6tn in illegal funds annually, demands a united global response, a top official urged at the Global Security Forum 2025 Tuesday.Colonel Ali Mohammed al-Ali, delegate for Asia, Interpol Executive Committee, and head of Interpol Qatar, cited Qatar’s $1bn investment in cybersecurity initiatives to combat these evolving threats.He underlined the borderless nature of these crimes and their impact on economies, societies, and individual lives.Col al-Ali cited Interpol’s 2024 Global Crime Trends report, which indicates a 70% increase in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, illustrating the urgent need for co-ordinated action."From the streets of New York, the communities worldwide, non-state actors, criminals, syndicates, terrorist groups, and cybercriminal threaten our safety,” he said.Col al-Ali noted that these groups tap advanced technologies, financial networks, and societal vulnerabilities to break laws and destabilise communities, as confirmed by reports like the UK National Strategy Assessment, Europol EU-Socta 2025, and the US 2025 annual Threat Assessment.Noting Qatar’s commitment to global leadership in combating these threats, the official highlighted the nation’s 50-year membership in Interpol and its ongoing efforts to drive key law enforcement initiatives.Col al-Ali said that Qatar is investing more than $1bn by 2026 to bolster its cybersecurity architecture, protecting against a wide range of digital threats.These investments, he explained, are designed not only to safeguard Qatar but also to empower police forces worldwide.Through Interpol’s biometric hub and financial crime centre, Col al-Ali said law enforcement agencies are better equipped to track criminals and their illicit finances across borders.He underscored the importance of innovative approaches to fighting crime, citing Interpol’s "Silver Notice” initiative, which aims to recover criminal assets and disrupt organised crime networks.He also cited the "Think Twice Campaign”, a public awareness initiative designed to educate individuals about scams and prevent criminals from accessing funds.Recognising the double-edged nature of AI, Col al-Ali noted the potential for criminals to exploit the technology.To counter this, he said that Interpol is partnering with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute to develop a toolkit for the ethical use of AI in law enforcement.This initiative aims to equip police with the tools to ethically detect crimes, track illegal money, and prevent threats.Col al-Ali urged global security partners to deepen their collaboration."Together, we’ll ensure law enforcement defeats those who threaten our world, protecting the rule of law,” he said.He also pointed to Qatar’s dedication to fostering a united global response to the escalating challenges posed by cybercrime and financial crime.