The formation of ecosystems of criminal groups due to the digital transformation of organized crime

Abstract

The article examines the problem of digital transformation within organized criminal groups. This transformation results from the introduction of innovative digital technologies into criminal activities and is manifested in the formation of decentralized organizational structures for criminal groups based on network management principles. It is shown that the transition from traditional hierarchical structures to alternative structures based on network interaction among participants is primarily typical of criminal groups specializing in high-tech crimes. In practice, the evolution of organized criminal activity has led to the emergence of groups with complex symbiotic structures, characterized by a combination of network interaction among the group's structural elements while maintaining a hierarchical structure within its governing core. The factors characterizing criminal groups with decentralized mixed structures are described, including a higher level of self-organization, increased group stability, adaptability to external conditions, responsiveness in addressing emerging issues, and enhanced anonymization of participants. The phenomenon of forming a new organizational structure for criminal groups has been revealed. This form is most accurately described by the concept of an ecosystem of criminal communities. It is shown that ecosystems of criminal communities are network associations of autonomous criminal groups interacting with one another based on the principle of "Crime as a Service", similar to the interaction principles found in business ecosystems within the digital economy. The technological basis for these ecosystems consists of digital platforms created and operating on the Darknet, which represent a shadow information environment that unites network services, data, and digital resources, facilitating the joint activities of ecosystem participants. The formation of ecosystems of criminal communities appears to be a qualitatively new and dangerous phenomenon. The criminal advantages gained from this transformation include the ease of attracting resources through the development of a global network market for criminal services and products on the Darknet; the "division of labor" through the narrow specialization of autonomous groups entering into cooperative and collaborative relationships; access to advanced means for committing high-tech crimes through the commercialization of criminal innovations; the rapid incorporation of new participants; the ease of overcoming interregional and interstate borders to commit transnational criminal acts; a combination of globalization and glocalization factors; and a significant reduction in the risk of criminal prosecution due to maximum anonymization of participants. The article concludes that the formation of ecosystems of criminal communities is becoming the dominant trend in the evolution of modern organized crime.