article · Journal of Economic Criminology
This study investigated the organisational structures of Ivorian cyberfraudsters, known as "brouteurs," who conduct romance scams and sextortion. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with fraudsters in Abidjan and analysed using thematic content analysis. The research identified distinct organisational forms: sextortion groups tend to be non-hierarchical, fluid, and opportunistic, while romance scam groups are more hierarchical with defined roles and engage in other serious offences. Both types of groups maintain international connections, involving accomplices, money mules, underground bankers, and corrupt public agents. Although fraudsters perceive themselves as part of a general network, the findings reveal varied organisational structures, prompting further inquiry into whether these are cybercriminal networks or organised cybercrime.
Understanding the varied organisational structures of cyberfraud groups is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat these transnational crimes. This research provides insights into how these groups operate, which can inform law enforcement and policy-making efforts to disrupt their activities and protect potential victims.
The abstract indicates that future research, such as developing crime scripts, can help institutions implement effective measures against transnational cyberfraud. This suggests the findings could inform the development of training programmes or analytical tools for law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity organisations to better identify, track, and disrupt cybercriminal operations. This is early-stage research informing strategic and tactical responses.
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This article delves into the organisation of Ivorian cyberfraudsters, known as “brouteurs”, who engage in romance scams and sextorsion, and it questions the various structures through which these fraudsters operate. The study's findings are based on data collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with cyber-fraudsters in Abidjan during a two-month field trip. The statements made by the brouteurs were analysed using thematic content analysis, which highlighted various roles and activities undertaken assumed by different individuals within these groups. A relatively clear trend emerges regarding the structure of these groups and the social connections within their organisation. It is possible to distinguish between sextorsion and romance scam groups, on one hand non-hierarchical and more fluid and opportunistic, on the other hierarchical, with defined roles and activities, engaged in other serious offenses. Both have international connections, may them be accomplices, money mules, underground bankers or corrupt public agents. While brouteurs acknowledge that "Everyone is part of a network.", these first results show different forms of organisation of cybercriminal Ivorian groups. The question which follows is whether these groups constitute cybercriminal networks or organised cybercrime. Future research in this direction, such as the development of crime scripts, can help institutions take effective measures to combat the transnationalisation of cyberfraud.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconc.2024.100056
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