THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN FIGHTING TRANSBORDER ECONOMIC CRIME

Abstract

The present article is devoted to an analysis of the role of international organisations in combating cross-border economic crime. The authors of the article analysed the role of international organisations in combating cross-border economic crime, which is defined as a complex and destructive phenomenon that threatens the economic security of states through the use of global trade, financial and logistical mechanisms for the purpose of illicit enrichment. The key features of cross-border crime are analysed, including the crossing of state borders, the use of border territories, stable cross-border connections of criminal groups and the formation of criminal markets. It has been determined that international organisations are key actors in the fight against cross-border economic crime due to its extraterritorial nature and the need for an integrated approach to combating it. The function of these bodies in establishing the global architecture for combating cross-border economic crime is analysed, with the architecture encompassing legal, institutional and operational aspects. It is emphasised that international organisations occupy a pivotal position in the development and promotion of universal and regional international legal instruments that establish standards for the criminalisation of specific categories of economic crimes and regulate matters of international legal assistance. It is noted that international organisations actively encourage operational co-operation between law enforcement agencies. This includes ensuring the exchange of information, creating secure communication channels, forming joint investigation teams and implementing technical assistance and capacity-building programmes for member states. It is emphasised that particular attention is paid to the development of standards and methodologies for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, monitoring compliance with international obligations, as well as strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms, promoting transparency and increasing accountability, which is critical for post-war reconstruction processes. However, the article identifies a number of challenges that hinder the maximum effectiveness of international organisations in combating cross-border economic crime. These include duplication of efforts, complicated information exchange due to bureaucratic obstacles, limited funding and staffing, significant differences in the capabilities of countries to combat cross-border crime, the rapid development of criminal technologies, and internal corruption in national systems.