Global Scans · Crime · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Crime is morphing away from traditional methods to more sophisticated technological approaches. A decline of traditional hierarchical criminal groups and networks will be accompanied by the expansion of a virtual criminal underground made up of individual criminal entrepreneurs. At the same time, forward-looking agencies are equipping themselves with smart technologies to outfox the criminals. Keep up to date with crime changes below.

• [New] A distinct and growing counterterrorism risk in 2026 is the continued evolution of drug trafficking organizations into hybrid security threats, particularly following their designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Hstoday
• [New] The threat from US-based individuals inspired by foreign terrorist organizations has risen to its highest level in five years, fanned by the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict and a resurgence in English-language terrorist media. Ken Klippenstein
• [New] The message from Washington and its allies is unmistakable: the fight against drug trafficking and criminal organizations is entering a new, more collaborative phase - one that could reshape the security landscape of the Western Hemisphere for years to come. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] Growing focus on terrorism liability Around the world, governments are placing greater responsibility on organizations to anticipate and mitigate the impact of terrorist incidents. CFC
• [New] AI-powered patrol robots, which are already used in some cities worldwide, might be included in U.S. police forces, marking a shift to futuristic policing and automated field operations. PsPortals
• [New] Gold surged to nearly USD 4,600/oz, setting a new record as markets reacted to an unprecedented threat by the US Justice Department to pursue a criminal indictment against the Fed, raising fresh concerns over its independence, and to intensify Iran protests that heightened geopolitical risk. MUFG Research
• [New] Liberals are divided over Labour's proposed hate speech laws making it a criminal offence to incite or promote racial hatred that sparks fears of intimidation, harassment or safety. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Today's terrorist threat in Europe mostly comes from young isolated individuals, radicalized online, with limited connections to a terrorist group's leadership, if any, and virtually no combat skills. Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
• [New] The Delhi Traffic Police will soon enable motorists to pay traffic challans using UPI apps. EnKash
• [New] Cyber-criminal activity should be separated from threats from states such as China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The Washington Times
• [New] The security environment is further complicated by the asymmetric threat posed by the Tren de Aragua criminal syndicate, now designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and persistent tensions on the Guyanese border. Ronin's Grips
• [New] Several Mexican states are expected to reform their penal codes in 2026 to include the crime of transfemicide, the killing of a trans woman, a move already taken by four states last year. Context
• [New] Following two more extortion-related shootings in Surrey and Delta Wednesday, in 2026 is expected to keep police busy as case numbers rise, only one week into 2026. CityNews Vancouver
• [New] The continued rise of ideologically motivated extremism, driven largely by lone actors and fringe political movements, will become a major theme in defining the global terrorism risk landscape in 2026. WTW
• [New] Generative AI has emerged as the most significant disruptive force in 2026, acting as both a weapon for sophisticated criminal networks and a shield for compliance professionals. Anaptyss Inc.
• [New] Terrorist groups are adapting fast, learning from each other and exploiting global vulnerabilities. WTW
• [New] Under current circumstances, terrorist attacks in Israel bring substantial risk and may backfire. Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
• [New] In addition to provoking renewed war with Israel, terrorist attacks could unify Israelis. Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
• [New] A terrorist campaign against Israeli targets abroad would entail risks for Hamas. Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
• [New] Perhaps the most consequential shift in the 2026 terrorism landscape will be the degradation of global intelligence-sharing. WTW
• [New] Terrorism will remain the preeminent national security threat to most countries throughout 2026. RSIS_NTU
• [New] The United States maintains a network of permanent and rotational military bases across the Middle East to secure oil routes, protect allies, counter terrorism, and deter Iran and other regional threats under the US Central Command (CENTCOM) framework. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation

Last updated: 31 January 2026