New INTERPOL report highlights escalating cyber threats across Asia and South Pacific
INTERPOL’s latest Asia and South Pacific Cyberthreat Assessment Report has revealed a dramatic increase in cybercrime across the region driven by rapid digitalization, new technologies and increasingly organized criminal networks.
➡️ The report found that more than half of the countries surveyed reported cybercrime now accounting for 30% of all crimes recorded nationally.
Cyber-scam techniques such as phishing have emerged as the most widespread and financially damaging form of cybercrime, with 33% of countries reporting over 10,000 cases.
Other key regional trends highlighted include:
🔵 Ransomware: More than 135,000 ransomware-related attacks, affecting sectors such as real estate, manufacturing and financial services.
🔵 DDoS attacks: A 92% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year.
🔵 AI-driven crime: Discussions about deepfakes on forums and channels popular among Southeast Asian threat actors increased by 600% from February to June 2024.
🔵 Phishing: 5.5 out of every 1,000 individuals had clicked on phishing links monthly – approximately twice the global average – with cloud applications the primary targets.
🔵 Data breaches: System intrusions accounted for approximately 80% of all data breaches, with malware and ransomware present in 83% and 51% of cases respectively.
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/k9M7d1IOAz
There is no safer world without a safer Africa.
In Southern Africa, crime threats are both enduring and evolving, and while many originate from far beyond national borders, their consequences are felt by local communities.
Law enforcement stands on the frontline of this fight, often operating with limited resources and constrained capacities.
Having served in a national police service in what is often referred to as the “Global South”, I understand what it means when local capacity is strained, resources are limited, and threats arriving at your borders come from far away.
This is why I was honoured to speak at the 31st Annual General Meeting of the SADC Chiefs of Police Sub-Committee in Malawi 🇲🇼.
My visit to Lilongwe was about listening to the needs of the region, through the voices of the region, as international support must be rooted in the realities on the ground.
We will continue to tailor our support to local priorities: through our tools, operational assistance, capacity building and training.
To all those leading the fight against crime in Southern Africa: your professionalism, dedication and cooperation are recognized.
To the Southern African Development Community: our partnership is essential, and one I’m personally committed to strengthening.
My thanks to Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito; to the Chairperson of SARPCCO and Inspector General of the @malawi_police Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga; to the Director of the @SADC_News Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane; and to all the authorities and people of Malawi for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.
Today is the Int'l Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported & Unregulated #IUUFishing 🎣
IUU fishing doesn't stop at sea. It's linked to human trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering & document fraud. It threatens food security & the safety of vulnerable communities
📣CALL FOR SPEAKERS
- Crimes and investigations in decentralized technologies
- Legitimate services & gaming
- #AI in police analytics
- #Quantum and other new #tech
Deadline: 25 June
47 unknown deceased women. 6 identified. 41 still waiting to have their names returned to them.
Identify Me is INTERPOL’s public appeal to help identify women whose bodies were found across Europe in recent decades.
🔗 Do you recognize any of them? Visit our website.
Since I was entrusted with the mission of serving as INTERPOL’s Secretary General, one question has guided every decision I have made:
"How can INTERPOL best serve law enforcement in every corner of our global membership?"
That question has shaped my plan for the next five years: our new Strategic Framework.
It is a promise that will guide how we connect and empower law enforcement for a safer world, built on four pillars.
The first is developing tools, systems and innovative solutions that reinforce INTERPOL’s role as the trusted global information hub for law enforcement. We will preserve what has always made INTERPOL successful but also deploy new technologies that will help police communicate more effectively, manage growing volumes of data, and reduce the administrative burdens that can slow down operational work.
Second is providing world-class investigative and operational support. One of my core objectives is to make our contribution more targeted, timely and responsive to the needs our member countries share with us.
The third pillar reflects a major responsibility: INTERPOL has a unique capacity to strengthen the voice of law enforcement on the world stage. We will advocate for our member countries’ priorities, share their operational realities and concerns, and ensure their needs are heard at the highest levels.
Finally, we will continue driving organizational excellence by strengthening processes, upholding transparency, applying new technologies and investing in expertise.
The world has high expectations of INTERPOL, and we are determined to meet them.
Our new Strategic Framework reflects a complex reality: in today’s world, no country can fight crime alone.
Law enforcement must stand together against crime. And INTERPOL is ready to lead that collective effort with integrity, respect, teamwork, neutrality and transparency.
🚨 3,300 illegal firearms, 56 tonnes of drugs seized in the Americas
Operation Orca XI, which led to more than 8,000 arrests, was conducted across 20 countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean 🌎
Officers also seized nearly 200,000 rounds of ammunition, USD 256,025 in cash and 210 vehicles.
Ahead of the operation, INTERPOL assisted participating countries in analysing firearms trafficking intelligence, developing national threat assessments and coordinating cross-border information exchange, with support from the @OAS_official to facilitate regional collaboration.
Read more ➡️🔗 https://t.co/srrzo03RWH
Un sincero agradecimiento al Ministerio del Interior @interiorgob y a la Policía Nacional española 🇪🇸 por la excepcional acogida que nos han brindado en nuestra Conferencia Regional Europea.
El entorno histórico de Toledo ha proporcionado el escenario perfecto para unos intercambios muy enriquecedores que, sin duda, impulsarán una mayor actividad en toda la región y más allá.
Agradecemos a todos los que han participado y contribuido al éxito de este evento.
A heartfelt thank you to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior and the Spanish National Police for their exceptional hosting of our European Regional Conference.
The historic setting of Toledo provided the perfect backdrop for meaningful exchanges which will undoubtedly drive even greater action across the region and beyond.
Grateful to all who participated and contributed to this successful event.