Historical variability of computer crime: the process of expanding the object and subject of criminal attacks and its structure
Anton Anatolevich Komarov · Полицейская деятельность · 2025
The object of research in this article is computer crime, and the subject is its historical variability, manifested in the expansion of objects of crimes, as well as in changes in the structure and motivation of criminals. The paper examines in detail key aspects of the topic, such as the influence of economic and technological factors on the evolution of computer crime, its territorial distribution and its connection with modern challenges, including digitalization and the transition to cashless payments. Special attention is paid to the analysis of victimological features of computer crimes, as well as problems of law enforcement practice and shortcomings in the investigation of complex cybercrimes. Unlike many works, this article focuses on a historical and materialistic approach, which allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship between economic changes and the transformation of crime. For the analysis, private research methods were used, including structural analysis, the trend method, the calculation of variance and coefficient of variation, as well as a comparative analysis of criminal statistics data and sample research materials (using the example of 759 criminal cases for 2022-2023). The research systematizes and ranks factors influencing the development of computer crime, such as changes in the economy transformation of communication technologies and shifts in mass consciousness. This allows us to better understand the mechanisms of crime adaptation to new conditions. The author explores in detail how over the past 30-40 years, the objects of crime have shifted from data and information systems to non-cash funds, cryptocurrencies and critical information infrastructure. This highlights the connection between crime and the digitalization of the economy. The author identifies differences between professional cybercrimes (targeting large sums and legal entities) and common fraud (targeting random victims). This allows us to develop more targeted prevention measures. The paper shows that the level of computer crime correlates with the level of digitalization of regions, which makes it possible to identify the most vulnerable territories and focus prevention efforts on them. The importance of data openness and interaction between the scientific community and law enforcement agencies to increase the effectiveness of the fight against crime was emphasized.