Robert Newcombe comments on the use of AI by criminal groups, in the Financial Times and City AM

In a letter to the editors of the Financial Times and City AM, Robert Newcombe has provided comment on the increasing adoption of AI by organised criminals groups, and how regulators and law enforcement must move fast to keep pace with these increasingly sophisticated crimes.

“Financial regulators and law enforcement agencies must work fast to create the tools to stay ahead of criminal gangs using agentic AI.

“These tools must be able to identify patterns where companies’ shares are shorted before a high profile ransomware attack, to identify those seeking to benefit from these crimes.

“Fans of James Bond will be familiar with this concept from Le Chiffre’s unsuccessful attempt to sabotage an airline’s stock in the 2006 film Casino Royale. The UK’s law enforcement agencies cannot hope that Mr Bond will save the day, while criminals stuff their crypto accounts full of criminal proceeds.

“In this evolving world of cyber espionage, it is critical that organisations invest in developing tools now, or else leave themselves as sitting ducks for criminals.”

Robert’s letter was published in print in City AM, 11 June 2025, and online and in print in the Financial Times, 16 June 2025.