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Under-Secretary-General Voronkov,

Mr. Monier, Mr. Oberoi,

Colleagues, Distinguished Guests,

Today, I am pleased to announce that the EU is mobilizing EUR 6.5 million to launch the second phases of two pivotal UN-centered projects:

• CT TECH+, implemented by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and INTERPOL, and
• AI-POL—AI and Law Enforcement Programme, implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and INTERPOL.

We have partnered with these organizations to advance the responsible use of emerging technologies in law enforcement. These initiatives will help implement frameworks around emerging technologies and responsible AI. I am convinced they will equip law enforcement globally to better fight criminals and terrorists, while safeguarding fundamental rights. With today’s announcement, the European Union’s total support for these projects rises to EUR 12 million since 2022.

And we will continue to engage with the private sector, civil society, the public, and other stakeholders to address concerns like AI bias. Together, we aim to proactively tackle the challenges posed by new technologies.

This joining of forces couldn’t be timelier: Technology is advancing at lightning speed, reshaping our lives. But criminal networks and terrorists are exploiting these innovations just as swiftly. They harness artificial intelligence, data mining, and deep fakes to plan, execute, and conceal illicit activities. From online marketplaces selling illegal goods to sophisticated money laundering and human trafficking schemes, they are globalizing crime and terror through the digital realm.

Earlier this year, a financial worker in Hong Kong was tricked into paying out USD 25 million to fraudsters. He participated in a video conference where all the other participants—including his colleagues and the chief financial officer—were AI-generated deep fakes.

The dismantling of the encrypted communications platform EncroChat in 2020—spearheaded by Europol, France, and the Netherlands—has led to 6,558 arrests worldwide, the seizure of over USD 700 million in cash, hundreds of tonnes of narcotics, and even 83 boats and 40 planes.

The surge in the use of artificial intelligence for terrorist and violent extremist propaganda is a growing concern, as AI technologies enable the creation of more sophisticated content, significantly enhancing recruitment efforts and accelerating the radicalization process. In 2023, the Islamic State even published a tech support guide detailing how to securely utilize generative AI tools.

The EU—through Europol and in collaboration with our Member States and international partners—has struck significant blows against these threats. Recently, we dismantled Ghost, another encrypted communication platform extensively used by criminals, and coordinated an operation targeting terrorist-operated websites, resulting in the removal of over 1,100 items of extremist content. These successes underscore our commitment to leveraging technology and international cooperation to combat criminals and terrorists.

Indeed, the same technologies that empower criminals can be our greatest assets.

But with great power comes great responsibility. We know that new technologies, including AI, bring both promises and risks. It is our duty to ensure that law enforcement tools are governed by robust regulations that guarantee accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic values and fundamental rights.

Case in point: The EU has adopted the AI Act—the world’s first comprehensive AI framework. This legislation sets clear guidelines through a risk-based approach, fully aligning with international principles. The AI Act also establishes the EU Artificial Intelligence Office, a central hub to promote research, innovation, and international cooperation.

Beyond the EU itself, the Council of Europe’s Convention on Artificial Intelligence, developed with 46 member states and observers like Canada, Japan, and the United States, extends our efforts on a broader scale

Friends, seeing your participation today, I’m confident we are all committed. Together, we can balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring technology serves as a force for good in our fight against crime and terrorism.

Thank you.