NCJ Number
196998
Journal
Journal of Financial Crime Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 332-346
Date Published
June 2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The relationship between organized crime and computer-related or computer-assisted crime is the focus of this journal article.
Abstract
Although neither economic nor organized crimes are new problems, the use of computers as a potential means of managing organized crime is a relatively recent concern. This article discusses possible connections between computer-related or computer-assisted crimes and organized crime. After briefly discussing the growing problem of the Russian “mafia” and the use of black marketers and smugglers within the Soviet Union, the author argues that organized crime’s adaptability has made the use of computers and the Internet an attractive alternative for conducting business. Focusing on record-keeping related crimes, electronic money laundering and theft, cyber-payments, and Internet banking this article suggests that the use of computers is a prime vehicle for organized crime fraudsters. Specifically addressing Internet fraud, the author maintains that the anonymity of the Internet and the confidentiality of information make criminal forgery, counterfeiting, and telecommunications crimes serious problems for law enforcement officers. Arguing that it is difficult to measure either how much technology-aided crime is being perpetuated or the extent to which organized crime organizations participate in this technological crime, the author suggests that the potential dangers are obvious and need to be addressed by the European Union, Interpol, and the United Nations. 34 References