51ÁÔÆæ

Mongolia is strengthening its ability to stop criminal activity at its borders before it happens.

In 2026, Mongolia's Passenger Information Unit (PIU) helped identify a range of serious crimes, including suspected smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorist financing.

Authorities reported detecting attempted illegal cross-border smuggling cases valued at approximately MNT 700 billion (around USD 200 million) across Mongolia's border points. The PIU also helped identify around USD 10 million in undeclared cash and eight individuals wanted under INTERPOL notices, whose cases were referred to the relevant authorities.

In two separate cases, authorities intercepted 446.81 grams of methamphetamine that was being smuggled into the country. The PIU also helped uncover attempts to bring unregistered and prohibited medicines into Mongolia concealed in passengers' carry-on luggage. In another case, authorities identified a fugitive who had been wanted for 30 years.

These results were made possible through cooperation between Mongolia and the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel (CT Travel) Programme, which supported the establishment of Mongolia's Passenger Information Unit in December 2023.

Using Passenger Data to Identify High-Risk Travelers

The Passenger Information Unit uses the United Nations goTravel software system to receive and analyse passenger information provided by airlines before international flights arrive in Mongolia.

By analysing travel routes, patterns, and other risk indicators, the system helps authorities identify potentially high-risk travellers in advance. It can also compare passenger information against national and international watchlists and facilitate information-sharing among relevant agencies.

Today, the PIU receives passenger data from seven airlines, covering around 90 per cent of Mongolia's international commercial air traffic.

Before the system was introduced, passenger data was used in a more limited and largely manual way. The new platform automates the collection and analysis of information, allowing analysts to focus on assessing risks rather than processing data.

According to Colonel Adiyajav Enkhtur, Head of Mongolia's Passenger Information Unit, the goal is not to subject every traveler to additional scrutiny. "The primary objective of the Mongolian PIU is not to subject all passengers to additional scrutiny, but rather to identify high-risk passengers in advance through intelligence-led risk assessment and to effectively support the operations of competent and law enforcement authorities," he said.

"API and PNR data enables low-risk passengers to move through border controls quickly and seamlessly, enhancing overall efficiency."

Protecting Privacy and Human Rights

Mongolia's Passenger Information Unit operates under legal safeguards designed to protect privacy, data security, and human rights. Access to passenger information is restricted to authorized personnel, and the system maintains records of how data is accessed and used. Passenger information may only be processed for specific legal purposes and is protected through security measures designed to prevent misuse.

According to Colonel Enkhtur, Mongolia is continuing to strengthen its legal framework governing the use and exchange of passenger information, with particular attention to human rights, confidentiality, and data protection standards.