Scammers target students with “easy money” schemes that can turn illegal, labeling you a money mule and putting your future—jobs, loans, and legal standing—at risk.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) launches its 2025 Annual Report and Precursors Report on 26 February 2026 at 11 a.m. (CET). This year, the report focuses on international cooperation in drug control, highlighting how States work together to address the world drug problem, including illicit trafficking, precursor control, and access to controlled medicines. It also discusses broader United Nations priorities such as peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights as they relate to drug policy. Watch the launch.

In today’s globalized world, waste management has become a major obstacle to economic sustainability and sustainable development. Unsustainable production and rising consumer demand generate growing volumes of waste that threaten health, the environment, and economies worldwide. The illegal waste trade intensifies these impacts, causing ecosystem damage, health risks, and inequality in destination countries, while undermining governance, fueling corruption, and supporting organized crime. The report ‘Waste Crimes and Trafficking’ by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime reaffirms its commitment to combating waste trafficking.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime exposes how traffickers exploit migrants and urges all people on the move to report abuse, affirming their rights regardless of immigration status.

A new United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report reveals significant differences in how countries criminalize migrant smuggling, despite global efforts to tackle this organized crime.

Digital evidence includes any electronically stored or transmitted information, such as photos, messages, or emails, that can serve as crucial proof in legal investigations.

As scammers become more creative, it's crucial to recognize the signs of online fraud and cryptocurrency scams to avoid acting recklessly under pressure.

"[T]his is another place where the UN can play a role in bringing that public private connectivity together"

Carmen Corbin dreamt of serving with the United Nations from an early age. Now head of Transnational Organized Crime, Illicit Trafficking and Terrorism Prevention programmes at the Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in East Africa, she is dedicated to protecting children from shocking online exploitation.

“We won't know who is real and who is not real. We can't keep up. All of us, in some way, shape or form, will potentially suffer from the fact that we won't be able to trust anyone that we meet, because you're never sure if that person is truly who they say they are.”

The UNODC supports law enforcement efforts in tackling all transnational organized crime and counter terrorism, including cybercrime. In this episode, Carmen reflects on the challenges of overseeing a wide portfolio, on the psychological strain of prosecuting the worst kinds of cybercrimes and shares her advice for a successful international career.

Photo: ©Glory Ndaka

With UNODC's support, farmers in regions like Myanmar, Peru, and Afghanistan are shifting from illicit crops to coffee cultivation, promoting sustainable development and economic stability.

Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It’s time we pull together to push back. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope. This day serves as a rallying point for action, demonstrating that collective efforts — by governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals — can achieve real change. #StopOrganizedCrime

Nang San Hlaing , from Myanmar, was impressed by the crucial role of women in the development of farming communities in Thailand's highlands. She believes that Myanmar can achieve similar gender equality in the future, despite the challenges of changing attitudes and shifting away from illicit crops. Inspired by what she is learning in Thailand, she wants to implement new farming methods and create social enterprises in Myanmar.

Globally, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child, and the majority of these trafficked children are girls. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), children are twice as likely as adults to face violence during trafficking. The proliferation of online platforms poses additional risks, as children often connect to these sites without adequate safeguards. The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July) calls on States to prioritize the protection of children, strengthen laws, improve law enforcement and provide more resources to combat child trafficking. 

Illicit drug markets continue to expand and harms caused by drug trafficking and illicit drug economies are contributing to many threats, from instability and violence to environmental devastation. On 14-15 March in Vienna the high-level segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will hold the 2024 mid-term review on the implementation of all international drug policy commitments and its 2019 Ministerial Declaration. CND analyzes the global drug situation, considering the interrelated issues of prevention of drug abuse, rehabilitation of drug users and supply and trafficking of illicit drugs.

Corruption is a major challenge facing the world today, with negative impacts on society and economic development, as well as democracy and the rule of law. It is often a root cause of conflict, fueling instability and inhibiting peace processes. Preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening institutions is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development, and the responsibility of everyone in overcoming this crime. This year’s commemoration celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption.

Global crises, conflicts, and the climate emergency are escalating trafficking risks. Displacement and socio-economic inequalities are impacting millions of people, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers. National responses, particularly in developing States, appear to be deteriorating.  This World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 Jul) aims to raise awareness of the disturbing developments and trends identified by UNODC and calls  to assess and enhance efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity.