Criminal Groups Research Articles

Организационная структура преступной деятельности по сбыту наркотических средств и психотропных веществ бесконтактным способом

The article is devoted to the study of the organizational structure of criminal activity in the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a noncontact manner. It is indicated that the introduction of information and telecommunication technologies into the drug trade gives criminals a number of advantages over those who oppose them. This ensures a high degree of anonymity for both drug purchasers and those involved in their sale through the introduction of various programs, instant messengers, etc. It is stated that against the backdrop of the continuing growth of crimes related to the sale of prohibited substances using information technology, law enforcement agencies are unable to radically influence the current criminal situation in this area, since they work using old familiar methods. The author's view of this problem is substantiated taking into account the drug situation in the country. Purpose: to study the problem of the organizational structure of criminal activity for the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a noncontact manner in order to counter the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Research methods: the basis was a dialectical method of understanding the organizational structure of criminal activity in the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a non-contact manner from the standpoint of scientific research and the practice of law enforcement agencies. The authors identified signs characteristic of organized criminal groups involved in the contactless sale of drugs. The need for an integrated approach to solving the problem is outlined. Conclusions: the feasibility of studying the organizational structure of criminal activity in the contactless sale of drugs is proved, as well as the need for adequate counteraction from law enforcement agencies, the need to develop a methodology for identifying and investigating the illegal sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The scientific and practical significance of the study lies in the substantiation of the study of the organizational structure of criminal activity in the contactless sale of drugs, as well as the adoption of comprehensive measures to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Artificial Intelligence – a Double-Edged Sword. Organized Crime`s AI vs Law Enforcement`s AI

Abstract Organized crime has acquired new values in the context of the geopolitical, social and economic transformations that the states are currently facing, expanding their ramifications at the international level. Conflicts often create opportunities that lead to the increasing of the organized crime, amplifying the threat that criminal groups can pose to domestic security. The heightened dynamics of the international security environment and, in particular, the instability with the potential for contagion manifested in the Eastern neighborhood and in the Middle East, potentiates the risks posed by organized crime. With the increase in technological development, especially based on Artificial Intelligence, organized crime has become one of the world’s most pressing issues, with a large number of countries having been affected. This research deals with the role of digital technologies implemented through cyberspace in prevention, detecting and combating organized crime. In addition, the research found that the rate of illegal activity has increased due to the global accessibility that the Internet has provided, especially AI, posing great risks to the public and increasing the rate of organised crimes. Combating organized crime has become an important political priority for many governments around the world, and any future success in eliminating criminal groups in its various forms will depend on the extent to which governments and relevant organizations are prepared to develop digital technologies based on artificial intelligence and use them to combat and prevent illegal activity.

Papua Conflict: An Article Review from the Best Conflict Resolution Method

This article is aimed to review conflict resolution process of Armed Criminal Group in Papua (KKB). This study is a scientific-article review using comparison technique, which compares horse trading method, counter-insurgency (COIN) model, and Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) to later review the best method in conflict resolution and renew or develop it. This study starts from revealing the background of Armed Criminal Group (KKB) happening in Papua, and then discussing conflict resolution process referring to the separatist movement development from KKB using horse trading method, which is proven effective to resolve this conflict if it is supported by the trust between two parties to have a dialogue where both parties are allowed to deliver their purposes openly. It is different from the application of McCormick’s COIN strategy model which narrowly fails in resolving Papua conflict, and even is possible to create a chance of the new dynamics’ existence in its international dimension, so it is needed to have a new interpretation towards COIN model in Papua, which is by giving solution to conflict-root elimination instead of total elimination by military. Meanwhile, applying Military Operations Other Than War approach (OMSP) is mandatory which is done by every country in order to tackle separatism movements. By those three models mentioned earlier, several strategic steps are formulated later in conflict resolution of Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua.

Racial Discrimination and Resistance in Judas and the Black Messiah Film

Judas and the Black Messiah reflects the real events focusing on O’Neal’s betrayal to Hampton in the late 1960s directed by Shaka King. This research aims to determine the racial discrimination towards the black characters and resistance strategies in the Judas and the Black Messiah (2021). In this research, the writer applied a qualitative research method with a descriptive analysis technique in analyzing the data. Furthermore, in this research, the writer utilized Racial Discrimination theory proposed by Rebecca M. Blank and Marilyn Dabady to examine the racial discrimination against the black characters. The results show black characters facing racial discrimination on a daily basis in three forms, such as in Explicit Discrimination, Statistical Discrimination and Profiling, and Organizational Processes. The members of the Black Panther Party are labeled as a group of criminals by the government and stated as a threat to national security. Thus, this makes the black characters have to suffer on a daily basis through physical attack from the police and often receive racial slurs. Nevertheless, the result also portrays the black characters in utilizing the resistance strategies to fight against racial discrimination. There are several strategies utilized by the black characters, such as Political Education, Coalition Building, Direct Actions and Protests, and Empowerment Through Leadership. It attempts to fight back against injustice treatment and government oppression of minorities. Keywords: Black Characters, Racial Discrimination, Racism, Resistance Strategies

Influence of Youth Unemployment on Youth Involvement in Crime in Kakuma Refugee Camp

Youth, constituting an estimated 70% of the total population, play pivotal roles in society due to their energy and dynamism. Conversely, a significant portion of the refugee population comprises young individuals who, despite being provided with various capacity-building programs, sometimes find themselves involved in criminal activities. The study sought to assess the influence of youth unemployment on youth involvement in Crime in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Employing a descriptive research design, the study was guided by Strain theory. The target population included refugees, host community members operating businesses within the study area, government officials, and officials from humanitarian agencies implementing projects in refugee settlements. Stratified random sampling was utilized to select South Sudanese sub-clans, while purposive sampling was employed to select security officers and stakeholders from various departments. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and interviews, gathering responses from 125 and 20 respondents, respectively. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires and interviews with government officers working in the camp, such as those from the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), law enforcement officers, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), community peace and protection teams (CPPTs), and national and county government administrators overseeing the refugee camp's jurisdiction. Secondary data was sourced from scholarly journals, books, the internet, reports, newspapers, and treaties on refugees, aiding in achieving the study objectives. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data, utilizing SPSS and NVIVO software, respectively. Results were presented through tables, charts, and figures. The study found that poverty was a significant factor contributing to youth involvement in crime. Additionally, societal treatment, characterized by suspicion, victimization, lack of recognition, and disharmony influenced youth criminal behaviour. To address these issues, the study recommends that humanitarian organizations and governments provide income-generating activities for youth, intensify initiatives to alleviate community involvement in crime, foster positive societal attitudes towards youth, and provide proper guidance on avoiding negative peer influence, thereby deterring youth from joining criminal groups.

The procedure for implementing the compliance system in the bank

In today's conditions of globalization and increased competition in the financial sector, the introduction of a compliance system in the bank is becoming an extremely urgent task. As banking institutions are leading participants in the financial system, their stability is important for the economy of the state. The activities of banking institutions are aimed at preventing financial crimes, such as money laundering and terrorist financing, through compliance, which consists in checking customers, monitoring financial transactions and identifying suspicious transactions, preventing crises and financial failures. With the growing requirements of regulatory authorities, as well as taking into account potential financial risks and threats from unscrupulous customers or criminal groups, banks need to improve their risk management system and ensure compliance of all operations with legislation and standards. This creates the need to develop and implement an effective compliance system that ensures compliance with all legal and ethical norms in the bank's financial activities. In this context, the study and analysis of the process of implementation of the compliance system becomes an important task that requires careful research and determination of the optimal course of action to achieve successful results in ensuring internal control and compliance in the bank. The compliance system, or internal control, is defined as a set of procedures, policies, and standards that are aimed at ensuring the fulfillment of all internal and legal requirements in the bank, as well as at identifying, evaluating, and managing various risks associated with the bank's activities. In this scientific study, we will consider the process of implementing a compliance system in a bank in the context of regulatory requirements and international standards, as well as investigate the practical aspects of its implementation, including the structure of the compliance team, monitoring and reporting tools, as well as the impact of the compliance system on the bank's business strategy and reputation. Our study will emphasize the importance of properly organizing the process of implementing the compliance system to ensure customer trust and maintain the bank's stability in the modern financial environment.

Links between terrorism financing and organised crime in Nigeria

Purpose This study aims to assess terrorism activities to identify measures required to mitigate the rise of terrorism activities and their metamorphosis into organised criminal activity through the prevention, disruption and dismantling of sources of financing terrorism. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was adopted for this study using descriptive synthesis from recent publications and reports of reputable organisations, i.e. relevant grey literature, key informant interview and a focus group discussion. This triangulation approach was used to cross-validate the findings. Findings The findings revealed that terrorism financing is most likely linked to organised crime for generating revenues and is further used to finance the activities of terrorists. Practical implications Terrorists operate from places with little or no presence of governance and, better still, ungovernable spaces for carrying out legitimate businesses, raising internally generated revenues from protection fees, ransoms and taxes. This space further allows domestic collaboration with local criminal gangs to exploit natural mineral resources. If the market for these resources is across borders, international or transnational criminal groups collaborate with terrorists to move the goods and assist with financial services for the generated proceeds. Originality/value This study assessed the emerging links between terrorism financing and organised crime in Nigeria.

Beyond borders: exploring the impact of Italian migration control policies on Mediterranean smuggling dynamics and migrant journeys

AbstractIn recent years, the Mediterranean crossings have reconfirmed their status as the most perilous routes for migrants attempting to reach European shores, with a significantly high number of deaths. In response, the Italian government has implemented various strategies aimed at reducing the number of landings and controlling irregular migration. This research evaluates the impact of these measures on the dynamics of migrant smuggling, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It examines the effectiveness of these measures and their influence on the adaptation of routes, methods, and organization of criminal groups involved in smuggling. The study emphasizes that while the measures to curb irregular immigration have had a limited direct impact on overall migratory flows and primary routes, they have indirectly influenced smugglers’ strategies. The study is grounded in empirical data sourced from interviews with expert witnesses and judicial investigations conducted by Italian prosecutors, with a comprehensive analysis of quantitative data. The findings aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of irregular migration in the Mediterranean and the impacts of policy interventions.

Foreign experience of legal regulation of criminal liability for violation of the procedure for transplantation of human anatomical materials established by law

The article examines the experience of individual countries in matters of legal regulation of criminal liability for violation of the procedure for transplantation of human anatomical materials in order to determine important legal assets of foreign legislation, which could be discussed for the purpose of further implementation in Ukrainian legislation. Within the framework of the article, we will analyze national and international legislation, namely, we will compare the content of Articles 143 and 144 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine with the content of the corresponding articles and provisions in the legislation of several countries from the perspective of the used terminology, interpretation of concepts, descriptions of crimes, measures of criminal liability, etc. The Constitution of Ukraine guarantees every person the right to life. However, experts increasingly raise questions about various violations of this right from the perspective of transplantation of human anatomical materials. Today, criminal offenses in relation to both donors and recipients become difficult to detect due to high self-interest and profitability, disguised nature, network systematicity, extensive illegal infrastructure and fast mechanisms for its recovery, group organization and strong connections with other criminal groups, use of deception, coercion, intimidation and other methods of forced donation, corruption in the field of donation, large-scale latent level of crimes related to transplantation. Detection of illegal transplantation is also burdened by their contradictory geography, when potential donors are recruited in the so-called "depressed" countries around the world, and anatomical materials are seized in countries that are highly developed in the field of transplantology, having loyal legislation to carry out such operations. In Ukraine, the detection of such crimes is also aggravated by the fact that people who are ready to illegally donate their organs for payment, travel to remove the organ outside the country and carry out their plans in other countries ("transplant tourism"). Due to the low level of information and enlightenment of the society in matters of transplantation, the detection of crimes in this area is also complicated by the so-called "victimhood" of people (both donors and recipients) – a set of personal traits that cause a high probability of becoming the object of a criminal attack (a tendency to become a victim of crime). These grounds contribute to a dynamic increase in the number of violations of the law-enforced procedure for the transplantation of human anatomical materials, which constitutes a high public danger. At the same time, the legal regulation of criminal liability for such violations still has certain differences. Therefore, the study of foreign experience in matters of transplantation, the comparison of the norms of articles in the Criminal Codes of different countries, and the analysis of concepts used in normative legal documents and their interpretations help to identify gaps in Ukrainian legislation, clarify the wording, expand the range of crimes and facilitate the qualification of their composition, adaptation of the Ukrainian legal system according to European standards.

Fortification of Civil-Military Cooperation Through Utilization of Geospatial Intelligence Concepts in Dealing with Armed Criminal Groups in Papua

Fortification of Civil-Military Cooperation Through Utilization of Geospatial Intelligence Concepts in Dealing with Armed Criminal Groups in Papua

The debate on the interaction of authorized units in the investigation of transnational crimes: a critical review

The article is devoted to the study of the essence of interaction between authorized entities in the investigation of criminal offenses committed by transnational organized criminal groups. The authors focus on the fact that this type of cooperation has always caused scientific discussions and practical differences. The methodological basis for the research is a set of general and specific methods and techniques of scientific knowledge: dialectical, monographic, logical and semantic, structural and functional, grouping, formal and legal documentary analysis, system and structural, modelling. It is stated that all scholars defined interaction in view of the existing system of law enforcement agencies and their inherent functions. At the same time, the subject of interaction is always specific, and full interaction occurs when the subject with managerial authority treats the hierarchically subordinate entity as a complete entity without ignoring its subjective features in the process of their common activity. The importance of cooperation between international law enforcement and police organizations, for coordinating efforts to combat crimes of a transnational nature was highlighted. The authors’ concept of law enforcement cooperation during the investigation of crimes committed by transnational organized criminal groups is presented.

СУСПІЛЬНА НЕБЕЗПЕЧНІСТЬ НАРКОМАНІЇ ЯК КРИМІНОЛОГІЧНИЙ ФАКТОР НЕДОЦІЛЬНОСТІ ДЕКРИМІНАЛІЗАЦІЇ СТ. 309 КРИМІНАЛЬНОГО КОДЕКСУ УКРАЇНИ

The article provides the author’s justification of the decriminalization inexpediency of Art. 309 of the Criminal Code (CC) of Ukraine through a criminological analysis of the public danger of drug addiction as a background phenomenon for crime. The article also analyzed the Draft law No. 9028 on amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses regarding the improvement of liability for illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation or forwarding of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues without the purpose of sale. Considering the fact, the Draft law proposes to exclude Art. 309 from the CC of Ukraine, replacing criminal liability to administrative liability for committing of certain illegal actions, it is emphasized that a number of problematic issues have arisen today regarding the implementation of such a draft law, since both society and state bodies are not ready for such changes. The conducted analysis showed that the decriminalization of Art. 309 of the CC of Ukraine has different points of view. Some scientists believe that decriminalization can help reduce drug addiction and drug-related crime, as instead of being prosecuted, people will be able to get medical help and support for responsible drug use, and reduce pressure on the justice system. In its turn, a lack of continence in the form of sufficient punishment threat will reproduce committing of a number of new, more serious criminal offenses. That is why the authors of the article believe that the decriminalization of drug use can confirm the negative social consequences of drug addiction and can send the wrong message to young people on drug use. Concerns have also been expressed that such decriminalization may lead to an increase in drug use and an increase in the risk of harmful effects on people’s health, and even more so will lead to committing of other, more serious criminal offenses. Key words: criminal offense, crime, criminal misdeed, criminal responsibility, administrative offense, administrative responsibility, decriminalization, background phenomena for crime, marginal environment, narcotic drugs, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency, involvement of juveniles to narcotic drugs use, criminogenic factors, determinants, self-serving violent crime, violent criminal offenses, criminal groups, criminal offenses in the domestic (family) sphere, prevention, police officers, evidence.

The Political Economy of the Mobuoy Illegal Dump in Northern Ireland: A Green Criminology Perspective

In 2012, the discovery of the Mobuoy illegal dump in Northern Ireland came to the attention of society as a shocking scandal. This was not only because the dump (516,000 tonnes of waste) was possibly one of the largest illegal dumps in Europe, but also because it exposed how the waste-management system in Northern Ireland was vulnerable to criminality and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency incapable of crime prevention and enforcement. However, it would be too narrow to focus criticisms solely on a particular governmental agency. From a green criminology perspective, this article provides a political economic analysis of the Mobuoy illegal dump and demonstrates the country’s environmental management system, as well as political resistance against environmental governance reforms that may create favourable conditions for criminal groups to seek financial gains through environmental crime in Northern Ireland.

Separate problems of detecting the illegal sale of narcotics

The scientific article examines issues related to identifying the problems of detecting the illegal sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors. A number of problems related to the detection by law enforcement officers of the illegal sale of narcotic drugs have been clarified and outlined. A number of means and measures that organized criminal groups use for the possibility of illegal sale of narcotic drugs have also been established, and they have been considered.
 It has been established that drug criminals constantly improve the methods of illegal sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors, using new means and tools. This, in turn, gives rise to problems of detecting illegal drug sales.
 An inseparable part of modern organized criminal groups involved in the illegal sale of narcotic drugs is the conspiracy of illegal activities, the use of various mechanisms to ensure against direct contact with buyer during their transfer. The members of some criminal groups do not know the members of other criminal groups, but contact only those with whom they work continuously. Such organized criminal groups have an extensive and complex structure with a strict division of roles, high discipline, and hierarchy. Conspiracy, high mobility, the availability of means of communication, a significant level of organization, as well as establishing cooperation and reducing competition between other criminal groups complicates the possibilities of detecting narcotics during illegal transportation.
 It was found that a number of problems in detecting the illegal distribution of narcotic drugs depend not only on the constant ingenuity and improvement of the criminal activity of criminals, but also on the continuous updating of the knowledge of law enforcement officers about the peculiarities of such activity and their professionalism. And therefore consideration of this problem is a necessary condition for effective detection of illegal sale of narcotics.

International practice of preventing illegal drug trafficking

The scientific article examines issues related to the international practice of preventing the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs. Studying this topic, it was found that currently a significant number of organized criminal groups involved in the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs are international. Raw materials for the production of drugs can be grown in one country, processed in another, transported in transit through a third, and settled in a fourth.Even members of such criminal groups or organizations may have different origins and nationalities, and may speak different languages. That is why the investigation of such crimes becomes much more complicated. It was established that with close and coordinated interaction of the relevant law enforcement agencies of different states, it is most expedient to detain the entire criminal group or organization, and not just a small part of it, which in itself would not be able to stop its criminal activity, and therefore protect the population from the negative influence of narcotics means. It was found out that it is necessary to carefully monitor the state of illegal drug trafficking in neighboring states, as the distribution of narcotic substances and precursors in Ukraine may depend on it, and to take appropriate measures to combat such crimes. We also agree with the opinion of the United Nations, which was published in the World Drug Report 2023, that corruption and drug trafficking are related, mutually reinforcing and complementary crimes. It was established that international experience must be adapted to the specifics of an individual country.External factors affecting the drug market in Ukraine were outlined (war, internally displaced persons, the state of combating illegal drug trafficking in neighboring countries, interaction with foreign law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal drug trafficking). Statistics presented in the United Nations World Drug Report 2023 have been studied and highlighted. Especially vulnerable groups of people for drug addiction have been singled out.

Examining the Association Between Psychopathy Clusters and Risk-Taking Behaviors

IntroductionPsychopathy encompasses the sub-dimensions of interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, and criminal tendencies. Most studies investigating this trait have traditionally utilized a variable-centered approach. However, in the current study, we have adopted a person-centered approach.ObjectivesOur objective was to analyze distinct homogeneous subgroups of individuals characterized by specific psychopathy profiles and examine their relationship with risk-taking behavior.MethodsOur sample consisted of 371 participants (26.4% men, aged 18 to 59 years), who completed the 34-item Self-Report Psychopathy Scale-III to assess psychopathy and Risk-taking behaviors were assessed using the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT-30).ResultsThrough cluster analysis, we identified four distinct groups: Low psychopathy, Low criminal tendencies, High erratic lifestyle, and High psychopathy group. The primary findings revealed that the High psychopathy group, characterized by elevated scores in all sub-dimensions, exhibited higher levels of Risk-Taking Behaviors and a lower Perception of Risk compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the Low criminal tendencies group, marked by high scores in all dimensions and low scores in criminal tendencies, demonstrated greater risk-taking behavior compared to the Low psychopathy and High erratic lifestyle groups.ConclusionsThese results stimulate the debate about whether it is appropriate to incorporate the dimension of criminal tendencies within the concept of psychopathy. Certain clinical implications emerge from this study that are deserving of a comprehensive and thoughtful discussion.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

PSYCHOLOGICAL CULTURE OF MODERN YOUTH: THREATS AND PROBLEMS OF VIRTUAL SOCIAL SPACE

The essence of such concepts as "information culture", "information literacy" and "information worldview" is considered. The conclusion is made about the high level of penetration of information technologies into the lives of modern youth, but the insufficient level of information literacy and information worldview among young people. Based on a quantitative sociological study, the key threats to modern youth arising in the information space are identified. Among the most acute problems for modern youth, we have attributed: Internet addiction of young people, the rupture of real social ties and their substitution with virtual connections, loss of personal freedom, leakage of personal information, involvement in criminal and destructive groups through the Internet. It was noted that the more actively virtual space replaces real social connections, the newer threats are recorded in the Internet space. It has been established that criminal work on the Internet is especially active against teenagers. It is determined that the level of information culture among young people is correlated with age. The younger the respondents, the lower their level of information culture. It is concluded that social norms in the virtual space lag behind specific practices. Thus, modern society needs to more actively develop rules and norms of behavior in a new environment for it -the virtual space. The recommendation is given to develop the norms of information culture and cultural competencies among young people more actively. Educational programs should include issues of information literacy, including information security. All organizations working with young people need to step up their efforts toraise awareness of personal information security issues, especially among young people.

DETERMINANTS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OPIATE ECONOMY IN AFGHANISTAN

Drug production and trafficking, and the related development of criminal groups, are among the most serious problems of the modern world. Issues related to the drug business appear when the institutions and the economic and social systems of the state disintegrate. An example of this is Afghanistan, which has recently become the world’s largest producer of opiates. The growing production of opiates has had negative consequences for Afghan society, causing various social problems, and for the international community, strengthening organized criminal groups involved in drug trafficking around the world. The aim of this study is to look for the most important factors causing the rapid increase in opiate cultivation in Afghanistan, and to assess how the Taliban’s return to power will affect the drug business. The study was carried out through an analysis of available scientific literature, including statistical studies, as well as various compilation documents.

Criminological Aspects of the Motivation of Individuals Belonging to Organized Criminal Groups of an Extremist Nature

The article is devoted to the study of criminological aspects of the motivation of persons joining organized criminal groups of an extremist nature. The author of the study analyzes various factors that may contribute to involvement in criminal groups and their illegal activities in such groups, the motives for their participation in extremist activities. The article examines the psychological, social and ideological factors that influence the formation and support of the motivation of participants in organized criminal groups with an extremist nature. Examples of interactions between various individual and social factors that contribute to the formation of radical beliefs and readiness to commit extremist acts are given. In addition, the features of the motivation of individuals belonging to organized extremist groups are analyzed with the aim of their classification. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that understanding the motivation of individuals who join extremist organized criminal groups is important for developing appropriate tactics and methods for preventing and suppressing extremist activities. Overall, the article represents a comprehensive study of the criminological aspects of the motivation of individuals belonging to organized criminal groups with an extremist nature, and is an important contribution to the field of criminology and criminal activity.

“Smart cities” and their vulnerability

In most discussions, “smart cities” are perceived as a largely positive phenomenon that improves the safety but above all the comfort of its inhabitants. The present paper constructively and critically analyses the approach of de facto unregulated development of “smart cities” with emphasis on the risks associated with this phenomenon. Examples from recent years, not only in the context of developments in Ukraine, show that modern, technological solutions, i.e. e-Government tools, can become a target or even a tool of variously motivated attackers (criminal groups, foreign powers). A “smart” city is often potentially more vulnerable than agglomerations managed more traditionally. This paper aims to demonstrate the possible risks through case studies and determine whether there are more comprehensive theoretical approaches to the subject.