Australian Inquiry into Decentralized Online Criminal Networks

• •Australian Federal Police report a rise in 'crime as a service' networks complicating law enforcement.
• •Traditional organized crime groups are adopting corporate-like structures in the digital realm.
• •Legislative reforms are needed to address the challenges posed by decentralized online crime.

A parliamentary inquiry in Australia is investigating the rise of online criminal networks that provide outsourced crime services. These networks, often referred to as 'crime as a service', complicate law enforcement efforts due to their decentralized nature. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has reported that traditional organized crime groups are increasingly adopting digital structures, utilizing dark web marketplaces and encrypted communications for transactions. The inquiry aims to address the challenges faced by law enforcement, particularly in combating sophisticated online scams, ransomware attacks, and drug trafficking. The AFP has called for legislative reforms to adapt to modern technological advancements and highlighted the exploitation of youth as low-risk assets in these networks. The inquiry will feature testimonies from key AFP officials, including Deputy Commissioner Hilda Sirec.