Rwanda Links Online Fraud to Human Trafficking, Calls for Stronger Global Crackdown

Rwanda has called for stronger international cooperation to dismantle criminal networks behind online fraud and human trafficking, warning that the two forms of crime are increasingly interconnected and require coordinated cross-border investigations.

The call was made by Pacifique Kabanda, Secretary General of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), during an international conference on combating online fraud held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on September 23–24, 2026.

Kabanda highlighted the connection between online fraud and human trafficking, noting that criminal networks can exploit digital platforms and vulnerable people as part of broader illicit operations. His remarks underscored the need for countries to look beyond individual online fraud cases and investigate the wider criminal structures that facilitate such activities.

He urged countries to strengthen mechanisms for sharing intelligence and other relevant information, particularly where criminal activities cross national borders. According to Kabanda, timely exchange of information among affected countries can help investigators identify suspects, trace criminal networks and prevent offenders from exploiting gaps between jurisdictions.

He also called for joint investigations involving law enforcement agencies from different countries, arguing that coordinated operations are essential to disrupting organised criminal groups whose activities extend beyond a single country.

Kabanda further stressed the importance of putting victims at the centre of international efforts to combat these crimes. Beyond bringing perpetrators to justice, he said, cooperation should also contribute to identifying, protecting and supporting people who have been exploited or victimised by criminal networks.

The Phnom Penh conference brought together stakeholders focused on strengthening the global response to online fraud, an increasingly transnational form of crime that can involve sophisticated networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.

About The Author

LIBOS NDAYISHIMIYE

Libos Ndayishimiye is a Rwandan journalist, reporter, and radio presenter who has been active in the media industry since 2024. He centers his work on community-driven storytelling, aiming to foster a well-informed society.

See author's posts