Criminal Groups Research Articles

Covert investigative (research) actions in the investigation of property theft in the field of implementation of state social programs

The article notes that the acquisition of property by abuse of official position in the sphere of implementation of state social programs is a hidden crime committed by organized groups of persons. Concealment of the specified crimes is carried out by drawing up documents that are outwardly legal and provided for by regulatory legal acts for the activities of the relevant state trust funds of certain types. Covert investigative (research) actions are used to expose organized groups of criminals who embezzle funds from state trust funds. They are a special tool in the matter of gathering evidence, which can be used by investigative bodies only in certain normatively defined cases. The article analyzes these conditions, in particular, points out such a qualifying circumstance of embezzlement of funds from state trust funds as the use of martial law conditions. This circumstance determines the classification of the crime, regardless of the amount of stolen funds, into the category of serious crimes, which provides grounds for conducting any secret investigative (search) actions.
 Attention is drawn to the fact that covert investigative (search) actions differ from overt investigative (search) actions in that they are aimed at identifying the behavior of certain officials related to an already committed crime (or ongoing crime). Identification and recording of the actions (behavior) of these persons takes place secretly and already during the pre-trial investigation. This provides an opportunity to obtain direct and indirect evidence of their involvement in these crimes. It is emphasized that the conduct of covert investigative (search) actions is possible only in compliance with the prescriptions defined in the norms of the criminal procedural legislation. The article defines the specific features of conducting individual secret investigative (search) actions during the pre-trial investigation of property acquisition by abuse of official position in the field of implementation of state social programs. The thesis is substantiated that the specific nature of the tactical tasks of the investigation is the factor that determines such features.
 It is concluded that undercover investigative (detective) actions are a necessary tool for obtaining evidence, which plays a significant role in exposing organized groups of criminals in the investigation of theft of property in the sphere of implementation of state social programs.

Release from the criminal liabilty for crimes related to criminal influence

The article is devoted to the study of the types of exemption from criminal liability for crimes related to criminal influence provided for by the Criminal Code of Ukraine, as well as the regulation of this issue in the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine. It was found that international acts do not establish the obligation of Ukraine to define in its legislation the cases of exemption of a person from criminal liability for committing the specified crimes, but they provide such opportunity. The application of general types of exemption from criminal liability provided for by the Criminal Code of Ukraine for the mentioned crimes is impossible, except for exemption due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Special types of exemption from criminal liability provided for in the new version of Art. 255 and Art. 255-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, cannot be applied for these crimes either, however, one of the grounds for their application is, in particular, active assistance in the investigation of crimes related to criminal influence. In the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine, developed by the Working Group on the Development of Criminal Law as a part of the Commission on Legal Reform, exemption from criminal liability is not foreseen as a criminal legal remedy in general. However, a literal interpretation of the provisions of the Draft allows considering the provisions of Art. 3.4.2 on exemption from punishment as a partial exemption from criminal liability. At the same time, in relation to a person exempted from punishment, a guilty verdict is issued by court, and he is considered to be on trial. Based on the conducted research, proposals were developed regarding the possible improvement of the grounds for the application of special types of exemption from criminal liability, provided for in Part 6 of Art. 255 and Part 2 of Art. 255-2 of the current Criminal Code of Ukraine, as well as additions to Art. 3.4.2 of the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine as a basis for the application of the exemption of a person from punishment for participating in a gathering of representatives of organized criminal groups.

Co-offending and the Persistence of Violence: A Dynamic Analysis

ObjectivesPrevious research underscores the influence of prior violent co-offending on subsequent violent behavior, linking it to a social contagion mechanism akin to the internalization of violence. However, these studies are limited by disregarding the entirety of a criminal career and overlooking diverse co-offending dynamics beyond co-offenders’ characteristics. This study examines the longitudinal impact of prior violent (solo and co-) offending on future individual-level violent behavior among Italian organized crime offenders.MethodsLeveraging criminal career data from 9819 Italian organized crime offenders, we model offending choices through a discrete-time Markov process. Subsequently, employing dynamic random-effects probit models, we quantify the influence of prior violent (solo and co-) offending on future violence, considering various confounders and unobserved individual-level effects.ResultsViolence is a persistent and long-lasting behavior among organized crime offenders. Prior violent co-offending has a greater impact than prior violent solo offending on the probability of future violence. Prior violent co-offending increases the probability of future violent co-offending but does not impact the probability of future violent solo offending.ConclusionsThe results show that co-offending promotes the transmission of violence but fail to support the internalization of violent behavior postulated by prior studies. We propose possible alternative mechanisms of violence transmission that operate through self-sustaining dynamics of violent co-offending within criminal groups. Although limited data on individual characteristics constrains interpretation, our results imply that violence transmission dynamics are independent from the individual characteristics of the co-offenders and more directly connected to group effects.

Pemanfaatan Modul Lora SX1278 Sebagai Sistem Telekontrol pada Robot Penjaga

The frequent armed conflicts in Papua have earned it the dubious distinction of being the number one region in Indonesia with the highest incidence of armed conflicts. These actions are claimed to be the work of the Armed Criminal Group (ACG) and often target military posts or guard stations. Given the conditions at these guard stations, there is a perceived need to introduce technology for better anticipating and countering attacks. In response to these challenges, the author envisions the introduction of a guard robot as a solution. This proposed guard robot is integrated with an SS2 weapon and has the capability for remote control of its firing. The remote control of the robot is facilitated by the LoRa Sx1278 module, which is purported to have a range of up to 500 meters. The researcher's proposed guard robot consists of components, including the Arduino Nano, LoRa SX1278 Module, L298N Motor Driver, DC Motors, Solenoid, 12-Volt LiPo Battery, Step-down module, and KY-023 Joystick. The research findings highlight the impact of the quantity of data on transmission delay. The lowest delay observed during the 10th test, with the transmission of 10 words, had an average delay of 531 ms, while the lowest delay during the first test, involving the transmission of a single word, had an average delay of 81 ms. In terms of data transmission range tests using the LoRa SX1278 module, under Line of Sight (LOS) conditions, the best range achieved was 350 meters, whereas under Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) conditions, the range was limited to 100 meters.

Analysis of the Phenomenon of Papuan Armed Criminal Conflict Against Indonesian Sovereignty

This article discusses the phenomenon of Armed Criminal Groups (KKB) in Papua and the influence of their existence on the sovereignty of the Indonesian state. The background of this research is based on curiosity about the impact of the Papuan KKB on state sovereignty. The purpose of this study is to find out whether the existence of the Papuan KKB affects the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and how steps can be taken to resolve this problem. The research method used is a quantitative approach, where data is collected using questionnaires that are distributed to resource persons and then the results are analyzed through questionnaire diagrams. This study aims to provide a clear and objective picture of the current situation and how it impacts the country's sovereignty. The results showed that the phenomenon of the Papuan KKB had an impact that threatened the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. These findings demonstrate the importance of taking this issue seriously and strategically by the Indonesian government. This research is expected to be a reference in decision making and policy formulation related to the issue of Papuan KKB.

Homicides in southern South American cities: educational inequalities and economic fluctuations

Information on how economic fluctuations affect educational inequalities in homicides in Latin America is scarce. This study aimed to: (a) analyze the temporal variations of educational inequalities related to homicide mortality and (b) compare these inequalities between years of economic growth and recession in southern South America cities from 2000 to 2019. Data from seven urban areas in three countries in the Southern Cone of South America were used: Mendoza and Rosario (Argentina); Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo (Brazil); and Santiago (Chile). Poisson models were estimated by using age, sex, city of residence, year of economic growth or recession, and schooling level as explanatory variables. Results showed significant differences in the temporal evolution of homicide rates in the seven cities, although populations with a low schooling level always showed the most vulnerability. The four Brazilian cities, analyzed together, showed greater educational inequalities related to homicides in years of economic recession when compared to those of economic growth. On the one hand, the indiscriminate use of force by the State against criminal groups seems to increase social inequality in homicide mortality. On the other hand, criminal fragmentation and economic crisis can exacerbate these inequalities by increasing territorial disputes between criminal groups.

Chacinas urbanas na cidade e na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (2009-2020)

Abstract This article analyzes the slaughters that occurred in São Paulo and its Metropolitan Region between 2009 and 2020. Using data extracted from news and interviews with journalists and public security agents, the article provides a socio-spatial analysis, highlighting features of the victimizations, perpetrators, and modus operandi of that form of extermination. Deaths resulting from slaughters reveal a polysemy of urban conflicts, predominantly linked to disputes over power, “political commodities” (Misse, 2014), and acts of revenge between criminal groups, or between public security agents and these groups. Peripheral populations are the main victims of slaughters, which occur in their places of residence and socialization and disclose power relations in these territories.

Globalization and Proliferations of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria: The Productive Precursors to the Security Challenges in North-Eastern Nigeria

The Nigeria North-East geopolitical zone which comprises of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States has provided save haven for all forms of insurgents and criminal groups, including Boko Haram, the Islamic States in West African Province (ISWAP), armed banditry, Fulani herdsmen militancy, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and armed robbery. There is also the problem of increased proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) encouraged by the porous nature of the land borders in northern part of the country, yet, the government seem comatose. It is on this premise that this study asserts that Globalization and proliferation of SALW are precursors for the security challenges in North-East, Nigeria. Descriptive analysis was adopted and qualitative method of data collection was utilized in this study. The study finds out that the adversaries of the Cold War protagonists, the defunct Soviet Union (USSR) and United States of America (USA), advanced the progress of SALW proliferation in Nigeria, which in turn favored the terrorist groups in Northern part of the country. Also, there has been relentless onslaught of criminal activities and other overlapping security challenges since the Cold War era in the country ranging from banditry and kidnapping for ransom, insurgency of Boko Haram and Islamic States in West African Province (ISWAP), armed robbery and ritual killings, among others. The study recommends that the peace process in northern Nigeria should be sustained. There should be better border security policy and local policing of the communities in the Nigeria northeast geopolitical zone.

Deconstruction of organised crime and research of war victimisation

There are many indications that various aspects and factors of large-scale war victimization could be made visible through the collection and analyses of data on organized crime in post-conflict societies. War victimisation could be understood as an outcome of opportunistic criminal activity: war conditions offer the unique opportunity to criminals and criminal groups (especially those involved in military or paramilitary formations) not only to restrain their destructive personal potentials but also to attain a new identity as ?national heroes? and gain a significantly better economic position as advantageous ?investments? to post-war criminal business. Crimes in war as well as war crimes, often perceived as basically launched by nationalistic (?blood and belonging?) ideology, could be examined from a broader hypothetical framework: nationalist ideologies should be considered not only as drives but also as means. By identifying themselves primarily as members of a specific nation who ?defend? (or victimize) a specific ethnic group, criminals of war provide not only the legitimization of crimes against other nations/ethnic groups but also of crimes against (primarily political) opponents within their ethnic group. The main aim of this paper is to argue for research on the continuity of organised criminal activities before, during and after ethnic conflicts in the Former Yugoslavia. This kind of research is argued to be a promising tool for the assessment of links between war and organized crime victimization as a way of getting a more comprehensive picture of the recent past. Research findings may further be used as the basis for creating comprehensive regional security strategies. Moreover, although the focus of this paper is on organised crime committed during the wars on the territory of the former Yugoslavia, its analyses and conclusions may be applicable to other similar contexts, including contemporary armed conflicts in different parts of the world.

Возможности использования данных о лице, совершившем преступление, при расследовании торговли людьми

In contemporary society, the fight against human trafficking has become a significant global issue. Human trafficking is considered a highly latent crime, often perpetrated by organized transnational criminal groups (organizations). Consequently, law enforcement agencies face certain challenges in detecting, investigating, and preventing these crimes. Addressing these issues can be facilitated by the competent use of criminalistic characteristics by law enforcement personnel. The aim of this study is to analyze the practice of investigating criminal cases of human trafficking and to examine the element of the criminalistic characteristics of human trafficking, specifically the data on the individual who committed the crime. Methodological Basis: To achieve this goal, the author employed the dialectical method, as well as a range of general scientific and special methods of scientific cognition (analysis, comparison, analogy, systemic method, etc.). Results: Based on the analysis of empirical material (statistics from the Judicial Department of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation over the past five years, as well as the practice of investigating criminal cases in the Russian Federation under Article 127.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), the author attempts to construct a descriptive model of the individual committing human trafficking. Conclusions: In the Russian Federation, the detection, solvability, and prosecution of human trafficking crimes committed by organized criminal groups remain at a relatively low level. It appears that improving the specific methodology for investigating human trafficking, particularly by constructing a criminalistic model of the individual committing the crime as stipulated in Article 127.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, may help address this problem.

Przestępstwo zmowy (conspiracy) w amerykańskim prawie karnym a przestępstwo udziału w zorganizowanej grupie przestępczej lub związku przestępczym

The article is based on the opinion of an expert in American criminal law drawn up in the course of proceedings before a Polish district court. In these proceedings, one of the defendants was charged, among other things, with participation in an organized criminal group whose purpose was to export from Poland without the required regulatory authorization and to illegally trade after importing into the United States of America a psychotropic substance in significant quantities in the form of ecstasy tablets containing the substance MDMA, i.e. an act under Article 258 § 1 of the Criminal Code. At the same time, in the course of the proceedings, information was obtained that the defendant had already been convicted in the territory of the United States of America for a crime described as “conspiracy to distribute and possession of MDMA for the purpose of distribution”, i.e. an act criminalized by Article 21 the United States Code § 846. In connection with the above, it became necessary in the proceedings to determine whether there was an identity in subject matter between the crime charged against the defendant in the proceedings before the Polish court and the crime for which he had been convicted in the territory of the United States. The purpose of the article is to analyze whether the crime of participation in an organized criminal group described in Polish law in Article 258 § 1 of the Criminal Code can be understood as the crime of conspiracy to commit a crime criminalized in American federal law under 21 U.S.C. § 846.

Life History Strategies of Male Criminal Offenders: Verifying Traditional Life History Patterns.

Life history (LH) strategies are results of trade-offs that species must make due to inhabiting certain ecological niches. Although it is assumed that, through the process of developmental plasticity, similar trade-offs are made by individuals in response to a certain level of harshness and unpredictability of their local environments, the study results on this matter are not consistent. In LH-oriented psychological research, such inconsistencies are often explained as a consequence of significant individual differences in phenotypical quality and owned resources, which make studying trade-offs difficult due to different costs and benefits of the same behaviors taken by different individuals. To verify if traditional LH patterns can be found among individuals with more comparable qualities, than in the general population, the current study was conducted on a group of male criminal offenders, who are typically associated with a fast LH strategy. Our results did not show any support for either LH trade-offs or unidimensional character of LH strategies in the criminal group studied. The traditional biodemographic LH traits, that we used to assess a LH strategy, merged into three well-known LH dimensions (mating, parenting, and somatic effort) that yet turned out to be entirely independent from each other. Moreover, each LH dimension turned out to be uniquely related to a different aspect of the developmental environment. The implications of the obtained results are discussed.

O “cerco pelo terror” em territórios em disputa na zona oeste/RJ

Abstract The objective of this article is to analyze the movements made by different actors in the world of crime in a neighborhood of the West Zone to identify the multiple organization forms of criminal groups based on territorial control and management of illegal activities, which characterize the war in the disputed territories in Rio de Janeiro. We follow leads offered by fieldwork conducted in Praça Seca and attempt to establish relations between the disputes for territorial control, sometimes by militias, sometimes by drug trafficking, in the neighborhood's favelas and their surroundings, and identify strategies activated by residents who experience the "siege by terror" to maintain their routines despite the constant situations of violence to which they are subjected.

To the issue of combating the theft of Ukraine’s natural resources by organized criminal groups

To the issue of combating the theft of Ukraine’s natural resources by organized criminal groups

Assessment of fishing gears, crafts, and socio-economic status of the Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishers’ community near the Meghna River, Bangladesh

An evaluation was conducted to assess the current state of fishing gears, crafts, and socio-economic aspects among the Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha Hamilton, 1822) fishers communities residing along the Meghna River region in Gazaria and Munshiganj Sadar Upazila, located in the district of Munshiganj, Bangladesh. About 150 fishers were interviewed using pre-tested questionnaires from selected areas from July 2019 to June 2020, and the data that was obtained was analysed using appropriate statistical tools. The methods employed for Hilsa fishing included the use of drift gill nets (known as Ilish jal, Fash jal, and Poa jal) and seine nets (referred to as Jagat ber jal), while the crafts utilised were Chandi boat and Donga. Most fishers were 31-40 years old (53.33%) in Ismanirchar and (46.67%) in Kalirchar village. Many fishers were Hindus (80%) in Ismanirchar and Muslims (96%) in Kalirchar. Regarding educational level, 69.33% and 70.67% of fishers in Ismanirchar and Kalirchar can only sign, respectively. Semi-earthen toilets were the primary type of sanitary facilities found in the area. Approximately half of the fishers residing in the two villages owned land ranging from 0 to 15 decimals. A significant portion, around 80%, relied on loans from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), while the remaining fishers obtained financial assistance from their neighbours. Hilsa fishing was found to be the main occupation in the study area. The fishers' income increased from September to November and March to May. The primary issues identified included extortion from local criminal groups, insufficient access to credit, absence of proper storage facilities, ongoing conflicts between professional and non-professional fishers, as well as tensions between Muslim and Hindu fishers. To improve their socio-economic situation and ensure sustainable livelihoods, fishers require more institutional support, better organisation, enhanced technical assistance, and increased access to credit.

Особенности преступной активности китайской мафии в Восточной Сибири

The mythology and typology of Chinese organized crime, which engages in active illegal activities within the region, are explored through a historical and cultural context. The characteristics of the formation, hierarchy, and behavior of these criminal groups are examined. The methods by which Chinese citizens illegally enter the East Siberian region are highlighted. The criminal infra-structure established to serve the interests of Chinese organized crime is analyzed in detail, as well as the methods used to con-ceal their true objectives and intentions. The means of recruiting individuals into the sphere of influence of the Chinese mafia, the establishment of control over Russian and Chinese citizens to achieve their goals, and the mechanisms for acquiring, distrib-uting, and controlling large financial flows by the Chinese mafia are described. Based on the provided description, conclusions are drawn regarding the primary activities of Chinese organized crime groups in the region. It is noted that the current level of law enforcement response is insufficient. The conclusion includes a list of recommendations for counteracting this type of crime.

Application of Sentiment Analysis to Prevent Cyberattacks on Objects of Critical Information Infrastructure

The article addresses the pressing issue of ensuring cyber security for critical information infrastructure, which is associated with the development of modern information technologies and the increased potential for cyber attacks from criminal groups and potential adversary state entities. An analysis of the scientific literature indicates the necessity of preventive measures and scientific research, which involve monitoring the cyberspace. The application of sentiment analysis is proposed to detect the emotional sentiment towards critical information infrastructure objects. Following a defined algorithm, a sentiment analysis model is constructed based on an artificial neural network using open-source Python programming language libraries. The model's distinguishing feature is the consideration of emoticons to determine the intensification of emotional attitudes towards conducting cyber attacks on critical information infrastructure objects. A dataset related to cyber attacks from social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram is collected to train the neural network. The results of training and testing the neural network provide grounds to assert that the network's accuracy of 0.7852 is relatively high, enabling its application by cyber reconnaissance units for early detection of cyber threats to critical infrastructure objects in combination with other tools.

Mengusung Politik Damai Abdurrahman Wahid dalam Mengatasi Eskalasi Konflik Kelompok Kriminal Bersenjata dengan Tentara Nasional Indonesia di Papua

This paper intends to reflect philosophically as well as to promote the need for a peaceful politics in resolving the conflict of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua. This elaboration is reviewed based on Wahid's words and political legacy. The methodology used is the analysis of the text through critical reading that listens to the understanding and concept of peaceful politics according to the spark of Wahid's thought. The author assumes that the prolonged conflict that occurs in Papua, namely the conflict stirred up by the KKB, is one of the biggest threats to the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. The Indonesian government's decision to upgrade the KKB's status as a terrorist group presupposes the deployment of security forces to hunt down KKB members. However, this has not been the right solution, because in fact the conflict continues to this day. Therefore, the government needs to promote appropriate and relevant solutions so that the disintegration of the nation does not occur. The author finds that humanism and Wahid's ideas about the politics of peace that adhere to the principles of equality and liberation can stem various social and political problems, especially the escalation of conflict in Papua.

Features of the qualification of organized computer crime in Ukraine

This article analyzes the features inherent in the criminal qualification of criminal offenses in the field of use of electronic computing machines (computers), systems and computer networks and telecommunication networks that are of a group nature. It was established that their features are high technology, latency, usually a group nature and a high level of public danger, which makes it difficult to identify and investigate relevant crimes, bring all members of the group to criminal responsibility. It is noted that organized computer crime should be understood as a set of computer crimes committed in connection with the creation and activities of organized criminal groups. It has been established that accomplices in computer crimes are the organizer (mostly project coordinators, under whose leadership attack plans are developed, malicious software is created, confidential information about individuals is collected for the purpose of sale on the "black market”, etc.), executor, instigator and accomplice. It is emphasized that the special subject of these crimes is a hacker, who is usually the perpetrator of the crime. Arguments are given that the time interval between the conspiracy and the beginning of the commission of socially dangerous actions for each of the perpetrators of the crime does not play a key role, at the same time, the intention of pre­discussed concerted actions, which are necessary to achieve a criminal result, must be established. The tendency to increase the number of computer crimes with the use of remote access communication tools, the unification of hackers in groups that have signs of organized criminal groups, the use of specially created places for communication (forums, specialized sites, etc.), the presence of a clear hierarchy and distribution was revealed roles in the execution of illegal actions.

Geographic Profiling and Geographic Information Systems in the Study and Investigation of Crime

The research of a criminal’s movements and the identification of his key locations is a complex task for both criminology and criminalistics. The analysis of publications shows that geographical profiling can be viewed simultaneously as an interdisciplinary field of knowledge, as a method for obtaining orienting diagnostic information about the criminal, and as a process of corresponding analytical activity; besides, the number of geographical profiling objects grows with time: the place of residence is supplemented by other anchor points where the criminal might spend time. The author states that in some cases geographical profiling methods might be effective for identifying the criminal who committed a single crime, and not necessarily a series of crimes. The theoretical foundations of geographical profiling are examined, they include the theory of routine activities, rational choice, crime patters, circle, and also attenuation with an increase of distance. Normative and criminalistic approaches to geoinformation systems are analyzed. The author presents a description of key software complexes that have geographical profiling as their dominant or one of their dominant features, including Rigel, Dragnet, Crimestat, Predator and Gemini. Main drawbacks of these programs are examined: an orientation at a large number of similar crimes, supposed stable composition of a criminal group, a small number of different groups of criminals and a small area of the territory under analysis, region-based linking to databases. It is also possible to use non-core geoinformation services for modelling a criminal’s movements, for instance, for determining the direction of pursuit while the trail is still hot or for verifying evidence. This information includes a criminal’s access to private or public transport, characteristics of outdoor surveillance systems, the volume and weight of a criminal’s assets, including stolen assets, dirt on their face or clothes, their emotional condition. The author concludes that it is necessary to simultaneously develop state-owned geoinformation systems reflecting data on crime in general as well as specific crimes, and similar private special-purpose projects.