Vienna, Austria—The United States delivered a statement during the 34th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) on May 19, 2025. Deputy Assistant Secretary Maggie H. Nardi addressed significant issues concerning transnational organized crime.
According to Nardi, online scams defrauded Americans of approximately $16 billion in 2024. She highlighted that around 300 million children worldwide are victims of online sexual exploitation annually. "By the time I’m done with this intervention, 1,713 children globally will have been exploited," she stated.
Nardi emphasized the need for immediate action against these crimes, noting efforts by President Trump and Secretary Rubio. Recent actions include the arrest of three fugitives from the FBI’s top ten most wanted list and designations of several criminal organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
The U.S. has implemented sanctions targeting other criminal groups such as Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez for her role in human smuggling operations. The statement called on all countries to intensify their efforts against crimes that profit from human suffering.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Protocol against Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air. In response, the U.S. is sponsoring a resolution aimed at enhancing international cooperation in law enforcement related to migrant smuggling networks.
Nardi urged states to increase measures against cybercrimes, especially those involving online scams and sexual exploitation. She stressed the importance of collaboration through dedicated cybercrime units and intelligence sharing.
Addressing synthetic drug trafficking was also a priority in her statement. Nardi called for preventing fentanyl production and trafficking while emphasizing reducing overdose deaths and dismantling clandestine labs.
In closing, Nardi highlighted personal tragedies resulting from these crimes, including the story of Cimarron Thomas from West Virginia and her father Ben Thomas. She declared that "the time for talk is over—now is the moment to act decisively."