The expansion of the digital market has brought numerous advantages in today’s world, but it has also led to an increase in shady and illegal activities as global connectivity rises. This shift has created a new wave of crime that many Pacific nations are struggling to address.
A recent report titled “Transnational Organised Crime in the Pacific: Expansion, Challenges and Impact,” published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlights various concerning trends related to cybercrime, including child sex tourism and romance scams perpetrated through social media platforms.
The report notes the growing adoption of smartphones and the increasing availability of the internet in the Pacific region, although these rates are not on par with the rest of the world. The escalating complexity of these cybercrimes is challenging for law enforcement, who must be supported by their governments to develop the necessary skills to navigate this evolving landscape.
Child exploitation and abuse are particularly troubling, as the region, known for its stunning landscapes, also attracts tourists, which can lead to increased incidents of child sex tourism. The UNODC report indicates that these crimes are facilitated online, with operatives in places like Samoa maintaining contact with international perpetrators through the internet. The situation is similarly dire in Fiji, where illegal brothels and hotels are used for child sexual exploitation, often advertised via websites and mobile apps.
The risk to children in the Pacific is compounded by a lack of awareness and understanding of online dangers among local parents, leaving minors vulnerable to grooming and harassment. Moreover, the emergence of ‘faceless’ criminals using social media to exploit vulnerable populations presents a further challenge.
The report reveals that many users in Fiji and Papua New Guinea rely more on smartphones than computers, creating an environment ripe for exploitation by international criminals who conduct cyber-enabled scams remotely. Despite initiatives by various law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about internet safety, many victims of cybercrimes are still emerging.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in critical cyberattacks on national infrastructure in the Pacific, including significant incidents targeting government systems in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. These incidents reflect a broader trend of rising cyber threats that pose significant risks to governments and institutions.
The occurrence of cyberattacks is underreported, with inadequate reporting mechanisms and a significant gap in cyber awareness contributing to the dangers faced in the region. In addition to immediate cyber threats, there are also major concerns regarding how modern technology facilitates traditional criminal activities.
Legislation aimed at combating cybercrime is being formed across the region, with countries such as Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea establishing national cybercrime laws. However, obstacles remain, particularly regarding stigma around reporting sexual offenses, which may deter victims from coming forward.
The report emphasizes that without effective oversight and widespread education on online child exploitation, organized crime may flourish in the Pacific. It stresses the need for improved data collection methods to help governments and law enforcement agencies effectively respond to these evolving cyber threats.