kathimerini.gr
Greece Faces Evolving Organized Crime Threats: AI, Cyberattacks, and Cryptocurrency
Europol's report reveals organized crime's adaptation to AI and the internet in Greece, impacting drug trafficking through online platforms and encrypted communication apps, and increasing cyberattacks on both the public and private sectors, leading to significant financial losses and operational disruptions.
- How is the use of AI and the internet transforming organized crime in Greece, and what are the immediate consequences for law enforcement and society?
- Europol's latest report highlights the rapid evolution of organized crime, leveraging AI and the internet to facilitate drug trafficking and human smuggling, posing a significant threat to economies and societies. In Greece, this is evident in online drug sales using encrypted messaging apps and cryptocurrency transactions, hindering investigations.
- What specific methods are drug traffickers and human smugglers using in Greece to exploit the internet and AI, and how are authorities attempting to counter these tactics?
- The report reveals that online platforms and AI are fundamentally altering the nature of organized crime. Specifically, in Greece, drug traffickers use apps to advertise services, communicate, and coordinate activities, while encrypted messaging apps prevent authorities from accessing communications. This trend requires law enforcement to adapt its strategies.
- What are the long-term implications of this evolving criminal landscape for Greece's economic and social stability, and what proactive measures are necessary to mitigate the risks?
- The increasing use of AI and encryption by organized crime in Greece demands an immediate response. Future challenges include the need for advanced cybercrime investigation techniques and international cooperation to counteract the use of cryptocurrencies. The vulnerability of public sector systems also highlights the need for robust cybersecurity infrastructure and staff training.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue as a significant threat to Greece's economy and society, emphasizing the increasing sophistication of cybercrime and its impact on various sectors. The use of quotes from law enforcement and cybersecurity experts reinforces this alarming tone.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, focusing on factual reporting and expert quotes. However, terms like "a sonic alarm bell" and "direct threat" in the introduction could be considered slightly loaded, leaning towards sensationalism.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the impact of cybercrime and drug trafficking facilitated by technology in Greece, with limited detail on other forms of organized crime. While the Europol report is mentioned, the specifics of its broader findings are not elaborated upon, potentially omitting other relevant threats or trends.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a dichotomy between state-sponsored hacking and autonomous hacker groups, but this may oversimplify the complex reality of cybercrime where motivations and actors often overlap.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. While primarily quoting male experts, this may reflect the demographics of the field rather than an intentional bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the rising cybercrime and organized crime activities, impacting the rule of law, security, and justice systems. The use of encrypted communication, cryptocurrencies, and the difficulty in tracing perpetrators undermines law enforcement efforts and threatens societal stability. The increasing cyberattacks on businesses and government entities, including ransomware attacks, disrupt essential services and damage the economy. The lack of sufficient cybersecurity infrastructure and personnel in the public sector also weakens the ability to prevent and respond to these crimes.