Use of Digital Technologies by Organized Criminals

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the employment of digital technologies by organized criminals. Criminal organizations are now actively exploiting the potential of digital technology to operate anonymously, quickly, and effectively. Being aware of the way the organized crime uses these technologies is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat this growing threat. The author seeks to highlight the specific ways of employing technology by criminal organizations as well as the challenges itcreates for law enforcement agencies around the world.This research has been done via the following techniques: a) studying the relevant criminological and criminal law academic papers on the use of digital technologies by organized criminal groups; b) analyzing the legislative acts and reviewing the publications on this topic in Russian and foreign media, featuring the actual cases of criminals using these technologies.The author presents the study findings by drawing several key conclusions. Firstly, digital technologies serve as a catalyst for criminals to expand their influence as they utilize advances such as encrypted communication channels, shadow web platforms, and cryptocurrencies. Secondly, there are challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating organized criminals that uses digital technologies. Thirdly, the article emphasizes the need to introduce some regulatory measures for cryptocurrency, which is the main means of payment in criminal transactions, and the importance of international cooperation to dismantle criminal networks. Achieving the awareness of the way these technologies are used in criminal activities is important for the development of effective strategies to combat organized crime and to protect the society.