Organized Crime and the Use of the Internet
A Talk by Dr Derica Lambrechts , Annette Hübschle and Dr. Giovanni Russo
About this Talk
The internet has transformed the operational landscape for organized criminal groups, enabling them to expand and streamline their illicit activities across borders with unprecedented efficiency and reduced risk of detection. The digital environment provides these networks with advanced tools and new pathways to conduct illegal activities, from trafficking drugs, weapons, and endangered species to exploiting vulnerable individuals through human trafficking networks. Illegal marketplaces facilitate transactions, while social media platforms serve not only as coordination hubs but also as recruitment channels, drawing in new members and amplifying networks.
Given the complex and evolving interplay between organized crime and digital platforms, it is critical for researchers, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to deepen their understanding of how organized crime exploits the internet. This panel will explore the challenges and possibilities of combating these activities, highlighting innovative investigative strategies and emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to counter the growing influence of organized crime in the online sphere.
About The Speakers
Chief research officer, University of Cape Town
Dr. Annette Hübschle is a policing scholar specialising in transnational criminal networks and illegal market structures. Her research addresses the challenges of policing these networks and explores community centred responses to combat illegal activities.
Libera università internazionale degli studi sociali "Guido Carli" - LUISS (Roma)
Dr. Giovanni Russo is a criminal law researcher, specializing in anti-mafia legislation. Organized crime, corruption (public-private) and their relationship with new technologies are his research focuses. Understand how mafias use digital to promote adequate preventive-repressive tools to combat it.