Cybercrime Investigation in Darkweb: A Qualitative Study of the Undercover Operations

• In Event: The Digital Underground Business and Online Safety (Organized by Korean Society of Criminology in America (KoSCA) & Sponsored by the Division of Cybercrime (DC))

Abstract

Cybercrime finances are critical factors impacting organized crime structures; despite enormous efforts to capture offenders, moving their budget and profit is the more effective to stop cybercriminal operations. However, this investigation approach requires specialized techniques, leadership from prosecutors, and strong knowledge about money laundry and forensic auditing skillsets. Hence, the study conducted interviews to reflect the experiences of 102 prosecutors specializing in money laundry investigations, and special investigators deployed online operations as undercover agents. Finally, a protocol of 21 key factors for special operations in Darkweb is discussed.

Author

• Marlon Mike Toro-Alvarez, Southern Illinois University