An evaluation of investigative profiling to detect advance-fee fraud

Abstract

The principle on which investigative profiling is based is to link the perpetrator of the crime to the specific offence. Throughout the years, profiling has been used successfully to individualise perpetrators of crime through their Modus Operandi (MO) and other distinctive clues that criminals leave at the crime scene. This research aimed to evaluate investigative profiling in the detection of Advance-fee Fraud (AFF). As technological advancements are being made to facilitate business and easier communication methods, criminals find opportunities within these developments to perpetrate different types of fraud and other commercial crimes across international borders. This adds to the many challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and private, corporate and statutory investigators and the public to comb the scourge of crimes such as AFF. Despite an increase in human, technological and financial resources focusing on curbing AFF and commercial crime in general, the number of commercial crimes remain high with an annually average of 65000, given the negative financial and psychological impact the crime has on individual and commercial institutions. AFF is considered one of the most challenging crimes to detect, and finding sufficient evidence to prosecute offenders frequently successfully proves to be a daunting task. AFF victims include large businesses and individuals such as the elderly and unsuspecting and vulnerable persons who are crooked out of what little earnings they may have. Investigative profiling, therefore, assists in identifying perpetrators by gathering data concerning the offender, such as his/her passport or identity number, address or Internet Protocol (IP), criminal record, vehicles owned, employment records, academic qualifications, cell phone records, and bank statements among other details. This invaluable information helps track and monitor AFF perpetrators and ultimately assist in their identification and apprehension.