Identifying gaps in the research literature on illicit markets on-line

Abstract

As access to technology and the Internet expanded dramatically over the last three decades, so too have opportunities for criminality. Researchers have begun to consider how the Internet enables the formation of illicit markets operating via various communications media in order to sell personal information, hacking tools, and other resources. Many of these studies provide basic information on the operations of on-line illicit markets. There is, however, a need for further research in order to improve the state of the literature and identify key questions to expand our knowledge of the practices of market actors and the social dynamics that facilitate their activities. This article introduces these concepts and outlines the state of the literature generally.