On 8 October 2026, HCSS strategic advisor Tom Driessen participated in the International Bar Association’s (IBA) Annual Conference in Copenhagen, where he provided a keynote speech and joined an expert panel examining the relationship between organised crime, legal ethics and the rule of law.
Organised crime poses a direct threat to the rule of law. Illegally obtained money is used to buy influence, corrupt institutions, and infiltrate legitimate markets. This undermines public trust in justice and blurs the line between the underworld and the upper world. The session brought together renowned legal practitioners and other experts to discuss how criminal influence can penetrate legitimate institutions and challenge the integrity of the legal profession.
Lawyers also encounter these dynamics as gatekeepers, advisors, or defenders. Many jurisdictions have strict rules on how lawyers should handle suspicious clients and funds. But there are also examples where things go wrong or where such rules are under pressure. This raises fundamental questions about independence, professional ethics and responsibility within the rule of law. How can the legal profession strengthen resilience against criminal influence without compromising its core values? And what can we learn from countries operating within different legal or cultural frameworks?
The expert panel “When illicit power meets legal ethics; strengthening the rule of law worldwide” explored the responsibilities of legal professionals in safeguarding the rule of law, while navigating complex ethical obligations, professional independence and the challenges posed by illicit financial flows and criminal influence.
Held from 4 to 9 October 2026, the IBA Annual Conference brought together legal professionals from around the world to exchange perspectives on pressing issues facing the legal sector. Driessen brought his extensive experience in Dutch law enforcement, international police cooperation and tackling organised crime to the discussion. He joined HCSS as Strategic Advisor on Organised Crime & Policing, where his work has focused on the evolving threats posed by criminal networks and the strategic responses needed to counter them.
Source: International Bar Association.
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