Criminogenic Assymetries in Cyberspace: A Comparative Analysis of Two Tor Marketplaces

Abstract

Cyberspace presents a unique medium in which criminogenic asymmetries propagate, fueled by globalization processes that contribute to various forms of transnational criminality. The cyber domain challenges traditional criminological concepts related to the connection of ‘space’ and ‘time’, allowing offenders and victims to virtually interact despite their geographical locales. Further, structural discrepancies differentially impact cybercrime rates, as connectivity to the Internet remains restricted or inaccessible in many countries. This study conducted a descriptive assessment of criminality on two marketplaces housed on the Tor Network within the broader context of these cyber-structural discrepancies and asymmetries. Data were collected from Evolution and Silk Road 2 during August and September 2014 using webcrawling software. This study found illegal or criminally concerning items to be abundant on Evolution and modest on Silk Road 2, largely sold from a core group of culturally Western countries. Yet, an abundance of other countries were found to engage differentially in specific markets, though in smaller percentages.

Description
Keywords
Criminogenic asymmetries, Cybercrime, Globalization
Citation
Dolliver, D. S., Love, K. L. (2015): Criminogenic Asymmetries in Cyberspace: A Comparative Analysis of Two Tor Marketplaces. Journal of Globalization Studies, 6(2). Direct Link to Publication: https://www.sociostudies.org/journal/articles/396067/?sphrase_id=545888