Criminal Contagion: How Mafias, Gangsters and Scammers Profit from a Pandemic

Covid-19 has brought the underworld and upperworld closer together, with criminals striving to meet needs, maximize opportunities, and fill governance vacuums. Unscrupulous fraudsters are touting fake remedies, and online transactions and cyber-ops have replaced physical shipments. State responses have created new illicit markets, and some elites have capitalized on the pandemic for personal or political gain. Criminal Contagion explores its extraordinary impacts on the global illicit economy and its long-term implications.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 15 April 2021
\n Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
\n

Covid-19 has brought about significant changes and challenges to governments, societies, and economies, presenting unprecedented challenges. However, it has also seen the adaptation of criminals and profiteers who have found new routes for illegal commodities, ranging from narcotics to human trafficking. The shortages, lockdowns, and public attitudes have brought the underworld and upperworld closer together, as criminals strive to meet their needs, maximize opportunities, and fill governance vacuums. Unscrupulous fraudsters are taking advantage of desperate people by offering fake remedies, such as counterfeit drugs and trafficked wildlife, which are used in traditional medicine. Online transactions and cyber-ops have replaced or supplemented physical shipments, creating opportunities for scammers and hackers. The heavy-handed state responses to the pandemic, such as prohibiting the sale of certain goods and services, have created new illicit markets, while some elites have capitalized on the crisis for personal or political gain.

Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the global illicit economy, and its long-term implications are still unfolding. Criminal Contagion explores these impacts in detail, shedding light on the ways in which the pandemic has altered the landscape of illegal activities and the strategies employed by criminals to navigate these changes. The book also examines the challenges posed by the pandemic to law enforcement agencies and the strategies they have adopted to combat criminal activity.

One of the most significant impacts of Covid-19 on the illicit economy has been the shift towards online transactions and cyber-ops. With physical borders closing and social distancing measures in place, criminals have found new ways to conduct their activities. Online marketplaces, such as dark web markets, have flourished, offering a wide range of illegal goods and services. Cyber-attacks, such as ransomware attacks, have also increased, targeting businesses and individuals who rely on digital technologies.

Another impact of Covid-19 on the illicit economy has been the increase in human trafficking. With travel restrictions and economic uncertainty, many people are forced to resort to illegal means of migration, which often leads to human trafficking. Criminal organizations exploit these vulnerabilities by recruiting and trafficking individuals for labor, sex, and other purposes.

Covid-19 has also had a significant impact on the illegal drug trade. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, drug demand has increased, leading to shortages and price fluctuations. Criminal organizations have responded by increasing their production and distribution of illegal drugs, often using new routes and methods to avoid detection.

The pandemic has also led to changes in the illegal wildlife trade. With travel restrictions and lockdowns, demand for wildlife products has increased, leading to illegal hunting and poaching. Criminal organizations have taken advantage of this by trafficking wildlife products, such as ivory and rhino horn, for illegal trade.

In addition to these impacts, Covid-19 has also had a significant impact on the rule of law. The pandemic has created a climate of uncertainty and instability, which has led to increased criminal activity. Law enforcement agencies have been overwhelmed by the surge in criminal activity, and many have struggled to keep up with the demand. This has led to a breakdown in law and order, and has created a sense of insecurity among the public.

To combat these challenges, law enforcement agencies have adopted a range of strategies. One of the most effective strategies has been the use of technology. Law enforcement agencies have used advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones and facial recognition software, to identify and track criminal activity. They have also used online platforms to communicate with the public and gather information about criminal activity.

Another strategy has been the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. Law enforcement agencies have worked closely with healthcare organizations, social service agencies, and community organizations to address the root causes of criminal activity, such as poverty and social inequality. They have also collaborated with international organizations to combat transnational criminal organizations and other forms of organized crime.

Despite these efforts, the fight against the illicit economy is still ongoing. The pandemic has created new challenges and opportunities for criminals, and it will take a sustained effort to address these challenges. Law enforcement agencies must continue to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve, and the public must also play a role in combating criminal activity.

In conclusion, Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the global illicit economy, and its long-term implications are still unfolding. Criminal Contagion explores these impacts in detail, shedding light on the ways in which the pandemic has altered the landscape of illegal activities and the strategies employed by criminals to navigate these changes. The book also examines the challenges posed by the pandemic to law enforcement agencies and the strategies they have adopted to combat criminal activity. The fight against the illicit economy is still ongoing, and it will take a sustained effort to address these challenges. By working together, law enforcement agencies, other stakeholders, and the public can help to create a safer and more secure world.

\n Weight: 446g\n
Dimension: 197 x 175 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781787384460\n \n