DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND ORGANIZED CRIME IN NIGERIA, 2015–2024
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of digital technologies has significantly impacted various aspects of society, including the dynamics of organized crime. This study examines the interplay between digital technology and organized criminal activities in Nigeria from 2015 to 2024. The main objectives of the study are to: (i) investigate how weak enforcement of digital payment technology regulations accounts for the proliferation of financial crimes in Nigeria; and (ii) determine whether advancement in internet penetration exacerbates the incidence of kidnapping in Nigeria. Drawing upon empirical data and the following theoretical frameworks, the institutional theory, single case study, ex post facto research design, documentary method of data collection, and content analysis, the study investigates how the adoption and utilization of digital tools have facilitated the operations of organized crime groups in Nigeria. The study explores the range of digital technologies employed by criminal syndicates, including encrypted communication channels, digital currencies, and online marketplaces for illicit goods and services. It examines the implications of these technologies for the structure, coordination, and reach of organized crime networks within Nigeria and across international borders. The research also examines the evolving tactics and strategies employed by law enforcement agencies and policymakers in combating technology-enabled organized crime. It evaluates the effectiveness of existing countermeasures and provides recommendations for strengthening the legal and operational frameworks needed to address this emerging challenge. By shedding light on the intricate relationship between digital technology and organized crime in Nigeria, this study contributes to a better understanding of the evolving threats posed by these criminal activities and informs policymaking efforts aimed at mitigating their impact on society.
Keywords: Organized crime; Cybercrime; Digital technologies; Cryptocurrencies; Money laundering; Online fraud; Cybersecurity; Ransomware; Law enforcement; Counterterrorism; Nigeria; West Africa; Transnational crime; Illicit networks.
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