The Intelligence from The Economist cover image

The Intelligence from The Economist

The Intelligence: Asia’s transnational crime gangs

Nov 8, 2023
Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, and Gareth Brown, their Middle East correspondent, delve into the intricate world of transnational crime in Asia. They discuss a significant money-laundering case in Singapore linked to organized crime, highlighting challenges faced by authorities amid rampant corruption. The podcast also covers Mohamed Dahlan's ambitions for Palestine’s leadership and his vision for unity among factions. Plus, there’s a surprising focus on health risks tied to turmeric contamination and a successful campaign to combat it in Bangladesh.
23:22

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Money laundering activities linked to cyber scams and online gambling are on the rise in Asia, posing challenges for governments and international organizations.
  • Mohammed Dahlan, a potential future leader for the Palestinians, envisions a transitional period of technocratic governance followed by elections and a parliamentary system to reconcile different Palestinian factions.

Deep dives

Money Laundering Surge in Asia

Across Asia, there has been a surge in money laundering activities, particularly linked to cyber scams and online gambling. Countries like Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines have been dealing with significant cases of money laundering, leading to arrests, raids, and the seizure of assets. Criminal gangs are using online platforms to carry out scams, money laundering operations, and human trafficking. Despite efforts by governments and international organizations to counter these crimes, the mobility and adaptability of these criminal gangs pose significant challenges.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner