4 November 2024 – In a rapidly evolving Digital Landscape, the intersection of organized crime and disinformation presents new and significant threats. A recent operation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has revealed alarming trends, highlighting how criminal syndicates may be leveraging disinformation tactics for profit. The arrest of six individuals linked to a Sydney-based criminal group, involved in a scheme that included drug trafficking and orchestrated a fabricated terror attack, underscores the dangerous capabilities of these groups in manipulating narratives to achieve their criminal goals. This scenario poses a complex challenge for law enforcement, which must adapt to the increasing sophistication of  Cyber Crime and emerging technology intertwining in the sphere of disinformation.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and its Centre for Global Studies (CGS) are taking proactive steps to tackle the misuse of AI and the threats posed by disinformation strategies employed by terrorist and criminal groups. This effort is reflected in the upcomng report entitled “AI and Emerging Technologies: Security, Legislation, and Governance,” developed by CGS in partnership with the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).

Learn more: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/a-new-risk-on-the-horizon-organised-criminals-as-mercenaries-of-disinformation/