Italy and Brazil Raise Alarm About Organized Crime in Digital Spaces
In an alarming announcement, Italian authorities have expressed serious concerns about the preparedness of nations to confront organized crime in the digital age. This was articulated by Nicola Gratteri, the Public Prosecutor of Naples, during the 12th International Week of Magna Grecia event held in Rio de Janeiro on April 24, 2025. Gratteri underscored that existing international frameworks are inadequate when it comes to tackling the complexities of crimes occurring in cyberspace.
The discussion centered on the evolving methods used by criminal organizations that have increasingly turned to the internet and cutting-edge technologies for their illicit activities. As highlighted by Gratteri, criminals are finding and trading illegal products with alarming ease on the dark web, ranging from narcotics and firearms to human trafficking. This shift has notably affected drug trafficking routes, with ports like Ecuador gaining prominence over traditional ones like Santos in Brazil.
Michelle Carbone, who leads the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigative Directorate (DIA), also emphasized the mafia's adaptability to new technologies and globalization, which empowers them to operate on an international scale. She pointed out the growing challenges posed by cryptocurrencies, where criminal enterprises engage in global activities while legal frameworks remain confined to local jurisdictions.
In Brazil, the situation is equally dire. Victor César dos Santos, the State Secretary for Public Security of Rio de Janeiro, discussed the significant impact of digital crime across the country. According to the latest statistics, organized crime accounted for approximately 348.1 billion R$ in criminal activity in 2024, which encompasses drug trafficking and service crimes related to fuel.
During the event, experts and officials called for a more holistic approach and international cooperation to effectively combat organized crime in cyberspace. Nino Foti, President of the Magna Grecia Foundation, stressed the critical importance of collaboration between Italy and Brazil in these efforts.
Various speakers at the conference, including Brazilian politicians like Deputy Francesco Romano, touched on the challenges posed by digitalization within public administration. Experts like Antonio Nicaso discussed how criminal organizations, including the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the 'Ndrangheta, are quickly adapting to integrate cryptocurrencies and other advanced technologies into their operations.
One alarming example cited during the discussions was a cybersecurity breach targeting the systems of the port of Antwerp in Belgium, a crucial hub for international drug trafficking. This incident exemplifies the severe vulnerabilities that exist and the pressing need for secure measures in combating organized cybercrime.
The participants agreed on the urgent need to enhance international legal frameworks to effectively address the transnational nature of these criminals, ensuring that nations are not left defensively sidelined as technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Without a concerted global effort, the worsening situation projects a troubling future where organized crime flourishes in digital shadows, beyond the reach of traditional law enforcement.
The discussion centered on the evolving methods used by criminal organizations that have increasingly turned to the internet and cutting-edge technologies for their illicit activities. As highlighted by Gratteri, criminals are finding and trading illegal products with alarming ease on the dark web, ranging from narcotics and firearms to human trafficking. This shift has notably affected drug trafficking routes, with ports like Ecuador gaining prominence over traditional ones like Santos in Brazil.
Michelle Carbone, who leads the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigative Directorate (DIA), also emphasized the mafia's adaptability to new technologies and globalization, which empowers them to operate on an international scale. She pointed out the growing challenges posed by cryptocurrencies, where criminal enterprises engage in global activities while legal frameworks remain confined to local jurisdictions.
In Brazil, the situation is equally dire. Victor César dos Santos, the State Secretary for Public Security of Rio de Janeiro, discussed the significant impact of digital crime across the country. According to the latest statistics, organized crime accounted for approximately 348.1 billion R$ in criminal activity in 2024, which encompasses drug trafficking and service crimes related to fuel.
During the event, experts and officials called for a more holistic approach and international cooperation to effectively combat organized crime in cyberspace. Nino Foti, President of the Magna Grecia Foundation, stressed the critical importance of collaboration between Italy and Brazil in these efforts.
Various speakers at the conference, including Brazilian politicians like Deputy Francesco Romano, touched on the challenges posed by digitalization within public administration. Experts like Antonio Nicaso discussed how criminal organizations, including the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the 'Ndrangheta, are quickly adapting to integrate cryptocurrencies and other advanced technologies into their operations.
One alarming example cited during the discussions was a cybersecurity breach targeting the systems of the port of Antwerp in Belgium, a crucial hub for international drug trafficking. This incident exemplifies the severe vulnerabilities that exist and the pressing need for secure measures in combating organized cybercrime.
The participants agreed on the urgent need to enhance international legal frameworks to effectively address the transnational nature of these criminals, ensuring that nations are not left defensively sidelined as technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Without a concerted global effort, the worsening situation projects a troubling future where organized crime flourishes in digital shadows, beyond the reach of traditional law enforcement.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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