Fraud Dynamics and Criminal Networks

The EPPO Dashboard: A method for scrutinizing the work of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in the fight against fraud, corruption and organized crime

Willem Geelhoed

The EPPO Dashboard (https://euruleoflaw.eu/eppo-dashboard/) is the Meijers Committee’s newest initiative designed to provide a comprehensive and accessible database (in English) of judgments by Dutch courts in cases involving the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). These cases concern fraud damaging the EU’s budget, corruption, misappropriation, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization. The primary aim of the EPPO Dashboard is to furnish legal practitioners within the criminal justice system and researchers delving into the EPPO with an overview of relevant cases and their contents. It enables users to get an impression of the effectiveness of the EPPO, scrutinize its operations, as well as highlight the obstacles it encounters. This can inform national and European legislators of opportunities to amend existing legislation, counter EU fraud and corruption more effectively and improve fundamental rights protection. It also makes academic research possible into the operations of the EPPO on the national level, providing the necessary information for a proper understanding of this new mode of prosecutions in Europe. The Meijers Committee also encourages organizations in other Member States where the EPPO is active to set up similar databases, which could facilitate comparative analysis and further enhance the overall understanding of the functioning of the EPPO. Alternatively, the EPPO Dashboard may be expanded to include an increasing number of jurisdictions, providing a one stop shop overview of all national case law. There is also a possibility that the EPPO Dashboard might receive a live connection to the EPPO’s internal case management system, allowing it to be even more up to date and informative, and covering judicial verdicts from all participating member states. The presentation will discuss the design of the dashboard, its benefits and limitations, as well as the opportunities for further development. Also, we can discuss the added value of this and comparative web-based overviews for academic research and legal practice.

An Exploration of Refund Fraud Services and Communities

Dr Andrew Childs 

This study provides the first exploration into ‘refund fraud’ communities and services that purposely seek to manipulate retailer refund policies. It examines how digital platforms, including the dark web, Telegram, and TikTok, facilitate the development and dissemination of refund fraud methods and the operation of illicit services. By analysing the interactions, knowledge-sharing practices, and commercial activities within these environments, this research uncovers the complex dynamics and adaptive strategies of refund fraud communities. The findings highlight the role of how ‘methods’ are developed (e.g. experiential sharing, social engineering), refund fraud as a service, and the cybercrime ecologies of refund fraud (i.e. the interconnections between refund fraud and other online illicit activities such as credit card dumps and data breaches). This study provides timely insights into the evolution of illicit markets and organised crime in digital environments.

Victim‐offender overlap: the identity transformations experienced by trafficked Chinese workers escaping from pig‐butchering scam syndicate 

Fangzhou Wang

The pig-butchering scam, also known as Sha Zhu Pan (杀猪盘) in Chinese, is a distinctive form of online romance scam. It involves fraudulently enticing victims through fake online investment platforms and the use of romantic persuasion. While this crime is renowned for its innovative social engineering techniques, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the scammers’ involvement in human trafficking, particularly their recruitment of vulnerable Chinese workers for illegal labor practices. Recognizing these overlapping identities, the current research aims to comprehensively understand the process of identity transformation experienced by these Chinese workers concerning their vulnerabilities and resilience. Using victim testimonial data from two prominent online sources, this study presents a four-stage model outlining the processes undergone by trafficked Chinese workers, leading to the development of a victim-offender identity. Additionally, this effort elucidates strategies employed by them to manage the unique identity subsequent to their escape from the base camp of the pig-butchering scam. The outcomes shed light on a significant criminogenic aspect within the pig-butchering scam, an area that has received limited attention thus far. This knowledge is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the transformation of these individuals into scammers, thereby offering valuable insights for preemptive prevention and rehabilitation initiatives. In my proposed presentation, I will delve into the pig-butchering scam, or Sha Zhu Pan (杀 猪盘), an online fraud that combines romance and fake investments. I will explore the ethical issues surrounding this scam, particularly its links to human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable Chinese workers. Using victim testimonials, I will outline a fourstage model showing how trafficked workers are manipulated into becoming part of the scam. Additionally, I will discuss how these individuals navigate their identities as both victims and offenders after escaping the scam. This insight is vital for understanding the scam’s complexities and developing effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies.