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A key issue to tackle the flow of individuals into #cybercrime is understanding the factors that enable their initial #involvement. 🔗🔓 link.springer.com/article/10.1... 1/6

In this new article, led by Joeri Loggen, we examine two such factors among youth involved in financial cybercrime: - their social environment (pre-existing ties) - the places where they hang out (offender convergence settings) We take into account both online and offline contexts. 2/6

We talked to 25 experts in the field (including police, prosecutors, municipalities, banks, and internet service providers), and analyzed five criminal cases involving various financial cybercrimes (sometimes mixed with traditional crime). 3/6

Contrary to some expectations, offline ties still matter. We found that the offline social environment remains a primary factor for involvement, particularly for core group members and money mules. These relationships foster the trust needed to reduce the perceived risks of co-offending. 4/6

We also found that digital hangouts (e.g. Telegram) are increasingly important. Due to easy access and limited moderation, certain online platforms have become key entry points where youth encounter cybercriminal opportunities. 5/6