Explanation
Criminal networks differ from hierarchical organizations such as the Mafia. They are characterized by flexible, decentralized cooperation among actors who connect for specific criminal projects such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, or smuggling. Globalization and digital technologies have strengthened these network structures, making them difficult for law enforcement to dismantle.
Theoretical Reference
The study of criminal networks draws on network theory and globalization research. It emphasizes how modern forms of organized crime operate less as rigid hierarchies and more as fluid, adaptable systems of cooperation.