Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 15 OCTOBER 2026

UN Crime Congress: Emerging Threats And International Divisions

Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP
Contributor
Steptoe LLP

Steptoe LLP

Steptoe International (UK) LLP has built a strong reputation for providing top-quality regulatory,...

View firm profile
Explore more from Steptoe LLP

The UN's 15th Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi has exposed how rapidly evolving technology is enabling sophisticated transnational criminal networks while revealing stark divisions among nations on how to combat these threats. The conference also marks a pivotal moment for the UAE's transformation from a grey-listed money laundering jurisdiction to a global anti-crime leader, even as deep disagreements emerge between major powers like the US and Iran over the future of internat

GlobalCriminal Law
Sam Bloebaum
Sam Bloebaum

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's (UNODC) 15th Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice 9, hosted in Abu Dhabi from September 26 through October 1, has revealed technology's key role in facilitating new and dangerous varieties of transnational crime as well as deep divisions in the international community's crime fighting agendas. The conference also marks the culmination of Abu Dhabi's successful drive to revive the UAE's international anti-money laundering reputation.

Congress Priorities and Emerging Threats

The nonbinding declarations, workshop communiques and NGO recommendations produced by the Crime Congress reveal the key themes and risk factors keeping justice ministers around the world up at night and filling their staffs' side-room conversations in Abu Dhabi.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Drug Possession And Personal Use In The UAE: Key Legal Consequences

The United Arab Emirates maintains one of the world's strictest anti-narcotics regimes, with severe penalties for drug possession, use, and trafficking under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021. Understanding the legal framework is critical for residents and visitors alike, as even small quantities of controlled substances can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, deportation, and permanent entry bans. Recent amendments have introduced limited administrative pathways for certain cases, but the consequenc
United Arab EmiratesCriminal Law
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Article

What Happens If You're Caught With Narcotics In UAE? The Real Consequences

The UAE enforces one of the world's strictest drug policies, where even trace amounts of controlled substances or their metabolites can trigger criminal prosecution, mandatory imprisonment, and automatic deportation for foreign nationals. Understanding the comprehensive legal framework, from airport detection methods to long-term consequences including financial restrictions and employment barriers, is essential for anyone traveling to or residing in the Emirates.
United Arab EmiratesCriminal Law
Dr Hassan Elhais
Dr Hassan Elhais
Article

Domestic Violence Protection Under UAE Law: Legal Remedies And Court Orders Available

The UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 establishes a comprehensive legal framework for addressing domestic violence, extending protection beyond physical assault to include psychological harm, economic control, and neglect. What remedies are available to victims, and how do restraining orders, shelter services, criminal penalties, and family court proceedings work together to provide early intervention and lasting protection?
United Arab EmiratesCriminal Law
HAS Law Firm
HAS Law Firm
Article

FCC Tightens Equipment Rules

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted sweeping new restrictions targeting equipment containing components from entities on its Covered List, fundamentally reshaping how manufacturers, online marketplaces, and equipment modifiers must approach FCC compliance. These rules establish unprecedented prohibitions on logic-bearing hardware components, impose strict display requirements for e-commerce platforms, and clarify when existing authorizations can support equipment modifications.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP
Article

Weekly Sanctions Update: September 14, 2026

The Treasury Department intensifies economic pressure on Iran through Operation Economic Outcast, suspending aviation licenses and sanctioning dozens of entities while implementing a presumption of denial for Iran-related transactions. Meanwhile, new enforcement actions target Chinese cybercrime platforms, Ecuadorian terrorist organizations, and Israeli settlers, as Congress considers comprehensive Russia-Iran sanctions legislation.
GlobalGovernment, Public Sector
Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP
Article

The Analysts' Brief: The US-Russia Diesel Deal

The Trump administration's October 2025 diesel deal with Russia promises temporary sanctions relief to ease US fuel prices before midterm elections, but analysts question whether the limited supply will meaningfully impact global markets or represent a lasting shift in US-Russia relations. The agreement has already strained transatlantic partnerships and US-Ukraine cooperation while raising compliance uncertainties for businesses navigating evolving sanctions regimes.
GlobalGovernment, Public Sector
Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP
Article

Sanctions Update: October 26, 2026

This comprehensive sanctions update examines the US Department of Homeland Security's exclusion order on DeepSeek AI products across federal agencies, exploring implications for US-China tech competition and potential escalation in AI controls. The analysis covers recent international sanctions developments including Iran's shadow fleet network, intellectual property theft enforcement, and evolving regulatory measures across US, EU, and Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.
GlobalGovernment, Public Sector
Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP
Article

Weekly Sanctions Update: September 21, 2026

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 has become law, imposing sweeping sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and shadow fleet vessels while authorizing tariffs up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas. How will these new measures impact global trade relationships, particularly with China and India as the largest buyers of Russian crude?
GlobalGovernment, Public Sector
Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP