Towards a Deeper Understanding of How Cybercrime Syndicates Operate

• In Event: Lightning Talk: International and Comparative Criminology

Abstract

Online romance scams originating from Africa are often carried out by syndicates made up of 150 to 200 scammers. We identified syndicates have a hierarchical structure, with three distinct levels. We have identified three tiers within these syndicates. Scammers at the operational level are managed by "chairmen," who report to a higher authority known as the "chairman of chairmen." Furthermore, sympathizers such as well-known musicians, clergy, and law enforcement officials may inadvertently contribute to online fraud through their actions or lack of action. Understanding the deeper structures of such syndicates is needed to understand the prevention tactics more broadly.

Authors

• Francis Kofi Andoh-Baidoo, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

• Martin Offei, Koforidua Technical University

• Emmanuel Ayaburi, Baylor University

• Mikko Siponen, The University of Alabama