Organized crime now a structured business entity, says border agency chief

Organized crime has transformed into a sophisticated business enterprise, adept at leveraging technology and creating its own ecosystem to maximize profits, according to Datuk Seri Mohd. Shuhaily Mohd. Zain, Director-General of the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).

Shuhaily explained that contemporary criminal syndicates are no longer confined by national borders. They function like legitimate businesses, complete with financiers, technology providers, collaborative networks, and hired workforces to execute various criminal activities. "What is clear about organized crime is that it is a business activity. Crime is now a business entity," he stated.

These groups operate under their own simple rules, disregarding concepts of sovereignty, democratic procedures, or governmental institutions. Their focus is solely on innovation, collaboration, and building trust within their platforms to ensure continuous growth. This adaptability allows them to exploit technology, such as AI-powered voice cloning, to facilitate crimes more easily.

Modern criminal operations are highly efficient, with syndicates outsourcing parts of their activities to third parties, including programming and cloning companies. This can lead to hired individuals unknowingly participating in criminal endeavors. Unlike 30 years ago, criminals can now perpetrate crimes across borders, launder money in multiple countries, and utilize digital infrastructure spanning various jurisdictions without ever needing to travel physically.

Shuhaily emphasized that criminals adapt to technological changes much faster than governments because they are not encumbered by complex administrative or procurement procedures. He called for a new approach in criminology, moving beyond merely explaining crimes after they occur to proactively anticipating threats through technology and advanced analysis. The focus of criminal research should shift from individuals to understanding systems, ecosystems, and institutional weaknesses.