Cryptocrime in the Context of Digital Transformation
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.26512/lstr.v18i2.60028Mots-clés :
Anonymity. Fraud. Terrorism. Digital literacy. Legal regulation.Résumé
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of crypto-crime in the context of digital transformation.
[Methodology/approach/design] The methodological framework of this study included comparative analysis, criminological approach, statistical research, and case studies (using Silk Road, Hydra, Monopoly Market, CryptoLocker, PlusToken, ransomware viruses and pump-and-dump schemes, as examples).
[Findings] The study systematised the principal forms of crypto-crime – from financial pyramids and extortion to money laundering, crypto-banking fraud, and romantic deception schemes. Their key features were identified: high level of anonymity of transactions, transnational nature of activity, legal uncertainty, and rapid development of technological methods of crime. A separate place was given to the analysis of the dynamics of crypto-crime growth: if in 2015 there were less than 2 thousand incidents with a total damage of 2 million dollars, by 2024 the number of complaints approached 150 thousand, while the cumulative losses exceeded USD 9.3 billion. The losses from investment fraud (USD 5.8 billion with 41.5 thousand complaints), romance schemes (USD 237 million with less than 4 thousand complaints), and crypto-banking scams (USD 189 million with 5.5 thousand incidents) are particularly pronounced.
[Practical implications] It is shown that digital literacy plays a dual role: on the one hand, the high level of technical knowledge of criminals favours the emergence of increasingly sophisticated schemes, while on the other hand, the lack of awareness of users makes them particularly vulnerable. It concludes that a balanced legal approach is needed, combining effective controls with support for innovation, and emphasises the significance of digital literacy as a tool for crypto-crime prevention.
[Originality/value] This study offers a comprehensive synthesis of both quantitative data and case-based analysis to map the evolving landscape of crypto-crime, highlighting underexplored correlations between digital illiteracy and victimisation. By integrating criminological insights with technological trends, it provides a novel interdisciplinary perspective on the risks posed by crypto-crime in the era of digital transformation.
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