UNODC, AMCS Partner to Strengthen Mexico’s Cybercrime Response

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Alianza Mexico Ciberseguro (AMCS) have formalized a collaboration agreement to strengthen Mexico's capabilities to prevent and combat cybercrime. This strategic alliance will focus on technical assistance, capacity building, and international cooperation to address digital threats.

“By implementing this framework, we will address cybercriminal activities exploiting technological vulnerabilities on a global scale,” says Victor Merchand, Coordinator of the Area of Information Technology and Cybercrime, UNODC Mexico. “The foundation of this collaboration is the mandate of the UNODC's Global Program on Cybercrime (GPC), which specializes in executing actions that flexibly respond to the needs identified in Member States to prevent and combat cybercrime comprehensively.”

The UNODC is responsible for providing technical assistance to member states in their fight against transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and corruption. Within its structure, the GPC has the specific mission to support nations in combating cyberspace-related crimes. Its work covers a broad spectrum of cybercrimes, from abuse to financial crimes that use virtual assets. 

The significance of this alliance is amplified by the recent adoption of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. This instrument seeks to more efficiently prevent and combat these crimes by strengthening international cooperation and capacity building support. Mexico played a central role in the convention's negotiations, which shows the country's commitment to this issue. It also shows the relevance of establishing collaboration mechanisms like the one signed with the AMCS. 

Alliance Projections

The alliance is expected to boost and expand programs the UNODC has already implemented in Mexico, using the AMCS platform and reach to maximize its impact. One priority action will be cyber-investigations. This initiative aims to strengthen the skills of institutions to prevent, disrupt, investigate and prosecute cybercrimes. As a precedent, the UNODC has already delivered workshops on ransomware investigation in November 2024 and March 2025, which included 69 participants from 19 states.

In forensic analysis and digital evidence, the alliance will focus on developing the technical capabilities of institutions. The objective is for entities to effectively identify, seize, process, preserve, and present digital evidence in legal proceedings.

Combating online child sexual exploitation is another fundamental pillar of the agreement. The work will focus on coordinating the detection of and response to cases involving abusive material, always ensuring a victim-centered approach. The UNODC has conducted in-person training in Nuevo Leon and Jalisco for 96 officials and online programs for Puebla, State of Mexico, Veracruz, and Tlaxcala with 49 participants.

Furthermore, the investigation of virtual assets will be addressed. This area of work involves developing specific skills to trace and analyze cryptocurrencies and other digital assets used in illicit activities.

Finally, prevention and awareness will be key to the collaboration. Public awareness campaigns will be executed to promote the safe use of technology and mitigate the risks of people becoming victims of crime. The UNODC has previously collaborated with local governments like those in Puebla and Culiacan, and academic institutions such as UNAM and UDLAP. For example, a campaign in Zacatecas addressed topics like cybersecurity, privacy, and sexting, while a campaign in Puebla focused on preventing grooming through radio spots, videos, and infographics.

Looking ahead, this alliance is expected to generate support guides, educational materials, and ongoing training programs. Examples include the "Mini Guides for Internet Security" and the "Your digital footprint" project. The ultimate goal is to consolidate a robust, common front that will not only respond to cybercrime incidents, but also build a culture of prevention and responsible digital citizenship across all sectors of Mexican society.