Authors

  • Yulduz Jonuzokova
    University of World Economy and Diplomacy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71337/inlibrary.uz.jmsi.118864

Abstract

Transnational cybercrime is one of the greatest threats to international security today. With the rapid development of digital technologies and Internet resources, criminals are finding new ways to use information technology for illegal activities, including data theft, system hacking, espionage, malware distribution, and financial fraud.


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STATE AND PROBLEMS OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIGHT

AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL CRIMES IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGIES

Jonuzokova Yulduz Izzatulla kizi

Doctoral student of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy

Abstract:

Transnational cybercrime is one of the greatest threats to international security today.

With the rapid development of digital technologies and Internet resources, criminals are finding

new ways to use information technology for illegal activities, including data theft, system

hacking, espionage, malware distribution, and financial fraud.

Keywords:

cybercrime, information technology, hacking, espionage, malware distribution, and

financial fraud, digital technologies.

Introduction.

Since crimes committed in the digital space are not limited by geographical

borders, their transnational nature requires joint efforts of states and international organizations

to effectively combat them. However, the current state of international cooperation still faces a

number of significant challenges, such as differences in legislation, jurisdictional barriers,

political and cultural confrontations.
In recent years, due to the rapid development of digital technologies, the increase in the number

of Internet users and the increase in the number of devices connected to the network, crimes in

the field have grown significantly. Statistical data from various sources, such as Europol,

Interpol, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, and analytical reports from cybersecurity

companies, confirm this trend. In particular, financial losses from crimes in the digital space

have increased significantly in 2023-2024. Global losses are forecast to reach $9.5 trillion in

2024. By 2025, losses are expected to reach $10.5 trillion. [1]
Such losses are associated with ransomware attacks (malicious software that locks or encrypts a

device and extorts money from the user), data leaks, DDoS attacks (Denial-of-service) - denial-

of-service attacks. Sending a large number of requests to a web resource, causing it to stop

working) and theft of personal information.

Methodology.

These losses are related to ransomware attacks (malicious software that locks or encrypts a

device and extorts money from the user), data leaks, DDoS attacks (Denial-of-service) - denial of

service. Sending a large number of requests to a web resource, causing it to stop working), and

theft of personal information.
In 2023, 72.7 percent of organizations worldwide reported being victims of ransomware attacks.

Although the overall volume of attacks decreased slightly compared to 2022, the complexity and

destructiveness of such attacks increased. In 2023, more than 1,800 ransomware Trojans were

identified that were designed to attack mobile devices. The attacks were mainly carried out on

healthcare institutions, infrastructure companies, and educational institutions.
Data breaches remain one of the biggest threats to organizations worldwide in 2023-2024. Data


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breaches are caused by hacking, insider attacks, or employee errors. The average cost to

organizations is $4.35 million per incident.
While the number of DDoS attacks continues to grow in 2024, they are also becoming more

sophisticated and multifaceted. Criminals are combining different attack vectors, making them

more difficult to detect and neutralize. DDoS attacks are increasingly targeting key industries

such as energy, telecommunications, healthcare, and financial systems.
Today, there are various initiatives and organizations that coordinate the actions of countries to

combat transnational crime in the field of information technology on an international scale. One

of the most important platforms for mutual cooperation is Interpol, which is engaged in the

detection and investigation of crimes in different countries. Interpol supports global operations to

combat cybercrime, in particular, projects such as DarkNet monitoring and tracking cyberattacks

aimed at critical infrastructure.

Results and Discussion.

Interpol is coordinating and coordinating global operations to combat cybercrime, uniting law

enforcement agencies from around the world. One such operation, HAECHI-III, was conducted

in 2023 to combat financial cybercrime, including online fraud and money laundering. This

operation helped recover $130 million stolen from victims of cyberattacks in 25 countries. [2]
In 2023, Interpol expanded its Cyber ​ ​ Fusion Centre to analyze and coordinate cybercrime.

The centre has become a platform for law enforcement, private companies and cybersecurity

experts to collaborate. This allows for rapid identification of cyber threats and real-time response.
Ransomware remains a serious problem in cyberspace, and Interpol is actively combating these

threats. As part of the initiative to stop ransomware, Interpol works with the private sector and

governments to monitor the activities of criminal groups. The organization also helps victims

decrypt encrypted data by providing them with access to data recovery keys. [3]
One of Interpol's priorities for 2023-2024 is the fight against illegal activities on the Darknet.

Interpol, together with police and customs authorities, conducted operations to identify and

apprehend members of criminal networks involved in the trade of drugs, weapons and counterfeit

documents on the Darknet. This activity includes the use of special tools to analyze

cryptocurrency transactions and monitor activity on Darknet platforms. [4]
Europol also actively cooperates with the European Union and its member governments to

identify and neutralize threats in the information space. The organization organizes joint

operations and provides expertise for investigations. For example, in 2020, Europol participated

in a joint operation against botnets used to attack financial institutions around the world. [5]
In 2023-2024, Europol actively fought transnational crime in the field of information technology,

organizing various operations and initiatives. In particular, the 2023 operation “EMMA8” was

aimed at combating fraud through email and banking schemes. The organization cooperated with

more than 20 state and financial institutions to identify criminal groups and prevent cyberattacks.
Europol pays particular attention to combating ransomware attacks, which pose a serious threat

to businesses and public institutions. In 2023, Europol successfully carried out Operation

“Quicksand”, aimed at disrupting the infrastructure used by ransomware groups. Europol is

expanding its cooperation with technology companies and financial institutions in the fight

against IT crime. As part of the “No More Ransom” initiative, Europol is joining forces with

private companies to help victims of ransomware. The “No More Ransom” initiative website

provides free tools for encrypting data, helping to prevent millions of euros in losses. [6]


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In 2023-2024, Europol is actively coordinating efforts to neutralize botnets and take down their

control servers in the fight against DDoS (Denial of Service) attacks. In addition, it will

coordinate joint efforts to prevent illegal crypto payments associated with ransomware and black

market trading in a number of countries. [7]
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is developing and implementing

global initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity in countries with low levels of security. In particular,

it conducts training and seminars for government agencies and law enforcement agencies around

the world to increase their capacity to combat cybercrime. [8] In 2024, new guidelines were

published for countries to introduce effective legal and enforcement mechanisms.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime will conduct advocacy to raise awareness among citizens

and organizations about cyberthreats, including educational materials and learning resources. In

2024, the main focus will be on preventing young people from getting involved in cybercrime. [9]
In recent years, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has also been actively working to

combat transnational crimes in the field of information technology, in particular, money

laundering and terrorist financing. [10] This group focuses on introducing innovative solutions to

increase the effectiveness of measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. This

includes the use of technology to process data, analyze it collaboratively, and improve data

security. Despite the activities of authoritative international organizations to combat

transnational crimes in the field of information technology, combating crime in the digital space

is becoming increasingly difficult. First, the problem of combating such crimes is complicated by

their global nature, with criminals located in one country and their victims located in another.

This requires coordinated action at the international level. [11]
One of the main challenges for international cooperation in combating crime in this area is the

differences in national legislation. [12] This applies both to the interpretation of legislation and

to approaches to regulating the digital environment. For example, laws on crimes in the field of

information technology or cybercrime can vary greatly in many countries. Some countries have

strict laws against online hacking and fraud, while others may not strictly regulate these crimes.
In addition, differences in approaches to data protection also create serious obstacles to

international cooperation. [13] The European Union has a General Data Protection Regulation,

which imposes strict restrictions on the transfer of personal data outside the European Union.

Other countries (Nigeria, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Venezuela, Bolivia) do not have similar

standards, especially in countries that do not have strict data protection laws. [14] This creates

difficulties for law enforcement agencies that need to exchange information when investigating

transnational crimes.

Conclusion.

Another important problem in combating transnational crimes in the field of information

technology is the technological disparity between countries. The development of information

technology infrastructure varies depending on the economic and technological capabilities of

countries, which leads to significant differences in their ability to effectively combat threats.

Developing countries often do not have sufficient resources to create effective cybersecurity

systems and ensure the necessary level of training.
Countries with a low level of technological development often do not have the necessary

information technology infrastructure, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Criminals

can use these countries as a platform for conducting cyberattacks on other countries. Because

weak security infrastructure makes it difficult to detect threats in a timely manner. In such cases,

criminals can escape criminal responsibility due to geographical barriers and ineffective law


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enforcement in those countries. In addition, it is worth noting the problem of a shortage of

qualified personnel in the field of cybersecurity. Developing countries face a shortage of

specialists who can effectively protect their IT infrastructure from threats, which creates an

additional barrier to cooperation with developed countries.

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References

1.Top Cybersecurity Statistics for 2024 // https://www.cobalt.io/blog/cybersecurity-statistics-2024

USD 300 million seized and 3,500 suspects arrested in international financial crime operation // https://www.interpol.int/News-and-Events/News/2023/USD-300-million-seized-and-3-500-suspects-arrested-in-international-financial-crime-operation

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USD 300 million seized and 3,500 suspects arrested in international financial crime operation // https://www.interpol.int/News-and-Events/News/2023/USD-300-million-seized-and-3-500-suspects-arrested-in-international-financial-crime-operation

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