The world is at a turning point. Illicit economies —from drug trafficking to cybercrime to counterfeiting— are growing and adapting at a speed that challenges governments, institutions and communities. Far from being a marginal phenomenon, organised crime has become a force that erodes democracy, jeopardises state sovereignty and threatens international peace and security.

In this context, the Global Organized Crime Index becomes much more than a measurement tool: it is a mirror that reflects deep trends within states and the international system. And its third edition allows us, for the first time, to follow the evolution of these phenomena over five years.

Data from this year’s edition show key changes in the global criminal economy. One of them is the unstoppable rise of synthetic drugs and cocaine, which are increasingly dominating the markets. This growth responds to criminal actors capable of quickly adapting to:

• changing consumer tastes,
• technological improvements in production,
• and more interconnected traffic networks than ever before.

The Index detects an accelerated increase in non-violent forms of crime, such as:

• financial crimes,
• fraud and digital scams,
• cyber-dependent crimes.

These activities, increasingly integrated into transnational financial and digital systems, do not require violence to cause enormous damage. Companies, governments and citizens end up paying the price.

Another example is counterfeiting, which is growing everywhere, fuelled by inflation, labour instability and trade tensions. When incomes fall, demand for counterfeit products tends to increase.

The Index also reveals that state-linked criminal actors remain the most prevalent. However, it is the foreign actors who are experiencing the most pronounced overall growth. This confirms that organised crime is more mobile, flexible and transnational than ever.

In addition, the private sector —whether willingly or through negligence— has a growing role as a facilitator of crime, especially in areas such as logistics, finance or technology.

Although many criminal markets are expanding, states’ resilience scores have stagnated. A clear example is international cooperation: traditionally a strength but now weakened by a more polarised global system and a retreat from multilateralism.

This is an alarming sign, especially on the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

Despite this complex picture, the data also offer a message of hope. The Index demonstrates that strengthening key elements of resilience can:

• reduce the influence of criminal actors,
• transform entire communities,
• and lead societies onto more positive paths.

The Index is not only a diagnosis: it is a tool for solutions. It points out vulnerabilities, but also shows avenues for reform, institutional strengthening and civil society empowerment.

In short, the Index provides a shared evidence base for governments, policy makers, NGOs and international actors to turn knowledge into policy and urgency into action. At a time when organised crime is evolving faster than ever, such a global and comparative view is essential to guide future decisions.

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