Through Resolution 78/267 of 21 March 2024, the General Assembly decided to observe 15 November as the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime. This day aims to raise awareness of the threats posed by transnational organized crime and to enhance international cooperation in addressing these challenges.
The day also commemorates the victims of organized crime, including those who have lost their lives fighting against it — especially law enforcement and judicial personnel. A special tribute is paid to individuals like Judge Giovanni Falcone, whose sacrifice paved the way for the adoption of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and whose legacy continues through our global commitment to this cause.
Find out more about this UN observance here.
This year’s theme, “Follow the money. Stop organized crime.”, highlights how illicit profits drive transnational organized crime. Each year, these crimes generate billions in illicit proceeds, infiltrating economies and supply chains, undermining governance and ultimately causing immense harm to people and planet.
With nearly every form of organized crime, whether it’s drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, trafficking in persons, crimes that affect the environment or cyber fraud, there is a money trail. By following the money and exposing this trail, we can cut their lifeline and disrupt organized criminal networks.
We call on governments, policymakers, law enforcement, the financial sector, digital platforms, civil society and the public to play their part in stopping organized crime. From strengthening cooperation and financial investigations to safeguarding digital spaces and exposing scams, everyone has a role to #StopOrganizedCrime.
