Interior minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has called for stronger international cooperation against transnational organised crime, the Interior Ministry said. He spoke in Vienna at the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, which is under way now.
Demerdzhiev said organised crime is growing faster than ever. It uses new technology, moves into the legal economy and weakens the security of societies. The minister said states must therefore change their response just as fast, and act together and with firm resolve.
He listed the threats that states must tackle jointly: cybercrime, illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption and environmental crime. He urged closer coordination, timely sharing of information and joint action suited to the new threats.
"It is not enough to neutralise the leaders of criminal groups – we need to dismantle the whole infrastructure that supports their activity," the minister said.
He said lasting results come not only from strong law enforcement bodies. Consistent rules are also needed to prevent crime, protect victims and work with civil society groups and business. Demerdzhiev also spoke about protecting children and young people so they are not drawn into crime, and about good border management.
The minister said Bulgaria backs the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime as the basis on which states build their joint work. He said Bulgaria is ready to be an active and reliable partner of the UN, with political support, expertise, specific initiatives and practical results. Security is a shared responsibility, Demerdzhiev said, and needs joint action and lasting international partnerships.
In Vienna the minister also met Monica Juma, executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. They discussed the office's main goals and how Bulgaria can widen its work with it.
The talks covered joint initiatives, sharing of experience, stronger institutions and closer professional contacts in the fight against drug trafficking and cross-border crime. Demerdzhiev told the meeting that Bulgaria wants a more active role when international rules against crime are drawn up.
The Interior Ministry says Bulgaria's part in the forum and the meeting with the UN office's leadership confirm its commitment to the international rule of law. It says this also shows Bulgaria as an active security partner in the region and worldwide.