Migrant smuggling and other forms of transnational organized crime operations linked to irregular migration are multifaceted challenges that demand urgent, globally coordinated actions to keep up with the ever-changing modus operandi of the criminal networks involved. Preventing and responding to these threats require a comprehensive approach centered on robust data collection and analysis; inter-agency collaboration and proactive enforcement strategies.
In particular, the absence of real-time, actionable data sharing between law enforcement agencies, delays early identification of threats, making it challenging to intercept and disrupt the activities of organized crime groups. Gaps in information-sharing also impede coordinated investigations and prosecutions, leading to missed opportunities to dismantle criminal networks linked to irregular migration.
IOM's Data Exchange Solution for Counter-smuggling (DESC) supports States in preventing irregular migration and curbing transnational organized crime through the facilitation of secure exchange of non-sensitive data and enhanced cooperation. Its goal is to harmonize migration policies and operational capacities in document examination, identity verification as well as data collection and analysis. Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven analytics, DESC Global Dashboards transform raw statistics into actionable insights, enabling authorities to anticipate threats, while ensuring timely assistance to those in vulnerable situations.
