Cybercriminal Networks and Operational Dynamics of Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scammers: Insights from the “Black Axe” Confraternity

Figures & data

Table 1. Key propositions of actor-network theory and social network Theory*.

Theory	Key Propositions
Actor-Network Theory (ANT)	1. Entities Actants: ANT suggests that entities, both human and non-human, actively shape social phenomena. 2. Network Dynamics: Social phenomena emerge through dynamic interactions and relationships among actants in a network.
	3. Fluidity and Adaptability: ANT emphasizes the fluidity and adaptability of networks, with relationships and entities constantly evolving.
Social Network Theory	1. Social Connections: Social structures and phenomena can be understood by examining connections and relationships between individuals or entities. 2. Structural Patterns: Patterns of ties, such as clustering, centrality, and density, impact individual and collective behavior within a social network.
	3. Information Flow: Social Network Theory highlights the role of information flow through social ties, influencing the spread of ideas, behaviors, and resources.

*These propositions are broad summaries; the specific nuances of each theory can vary based on different interpretations.

Table 2. Thematic analysis summary map.

Themes	Definitions	Labels	Characteristics	Subthemes/Sub-Codes
Theme 1: The Fluidity of Structure and Adaptive Roles in BEC	Investigating the adaptability and fluidity of roles within Business Email Compromise (BEC) networks.	Structure and Adaptive Roles in BEC (1)	Role Flexibility and Adaptability, Fluidity in Network Boundaries and Resilience	(a) Role Flexibility and Adaptability (b) Fluidity in Network Boundaries and Resilience
Theme 2: Challenges in Visualizing Criminal Networks	Exploring difficulties in visualizing and understanding the structures of criminal networks.	Challenges in Visualizing Criminal Networks (2)	Passive Enablers and Parasitic Platform Criminality, Technological and Cultural Strategies	(a) Passive Enablers and Parasitic Platform Criminality
Theme 3: Globalization and Transnational Dimensions	Analyzing the global reach and complexity of cybercrime networks.	Globalization and Transnational Dimensions (3)	Global Operations and Network Complexity	None
Theme 4: Social and Cultural Influences	Investigating societal and cultural factors influencing cybercrime structures.	Social and Cultural Influences (4)	Technological and Cultural Strategies	None
Theme 5: Internal Cybersecurity Threats and Money Laundering	Examining internal threats within financial institutions and associated money laundering.	Internal Cybersecurity Threats and Money Laundering (5)	Financial Institution and Cybercriminal Manipulations, Continuity and Contrast: A Comparative Analysis	(a) Continuity and Contrast: A Comparative Analysis (b) Financial Institution and Cybercriminal Manipulations
Theme 6: Remuneration and Influences of Cryptocurrency	Exploring the impact of cryptocurrency on money laundering and repatriation of illicit funds	Remuneration and Influences of Cryptocurrency (6)	Influence of Cryptocurrency on money laundering and repatriation of illicit funds	None