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Social Network Analysis Applied to Criminal Networks: Recent Developments in Dutch Law Enforcement

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Networks and Network Analysis for Defence and Security

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Social Networks ((LNSN))

Abstract

This article examines the application of social network theory in Dutch law enforcement. Increasing amounts of information about habitual lawbreakers and criminal networks are collected under the paradigm of Intelligence-Led Policing. Combined with data gathered from open sources such as social media, such resources allow criminal analysts trained in social network analysis (SNA) at the Police Academy of The Netherlands to apply advanced network analysis methodology and crime scripting. This in turn helps the police to identify crucial weak spots in illicit arrangements and criminal business processes. A case study of the 'Blackbird' crime network, involved in the wholesale cultivation of cannabis is presented to illustrate the power of SNA when combined with crime script analysis. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative analysis, the topology of the 86-strong Blackbird network is laid out and its substructures and key individuals exposed. In detailing the network's social embeddedness, the authors clarify the importance of female actors for the flexibility and efficiency of the network structure and thereby for the continuity of criminal business. Applying SNA is already helping criminal intelligence units of the Dutch police in identifying intelligence gaps and potential informants. Working in symbiosis, analysts and informant handlers develop a better understanding of strategic targeting and access points to relatively unknown criminal communities and –markets. To be delivered in a timely way to be useful in ongoing criminal investigations, SNA products require even faster data processing. Also, when applied to dark networks SNA should be tailored to better take network dynamics into account, in particular regarding the adaptability to network disruption.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Within Dutch Penal law, ‘participation within a criminal organization’ is an independent misdemeanor punishable under article 140 of the Dutch Penal Code.

  2. 2.

    www.Hyves.nl and www.netlog.nl were popular Internet communities in the Netherlands in 2007 and 2008.

  3. 3.

    Unfortunately a fully detailed description of the different phases and facets of the organized cannabis cultivation process is out of scope of this chapter. For a more detailed description see Spapens et al. [28] or Potter et al. [48].

  4. 4.

    A full description and explanation of all possible SNA measures would go beyond the scope of this chapter. For an extensive overview of these measures, see Hanneman and Riddle [38].

  5. 5.

    See Hanneman and Riddle [38] for a complete overview of all possible algorithms to identify subgroups.

  6. 6.

    For a full description of these measures see [38].

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Research and Analysis, Dutch Police Unit the Hague, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Paul A. C. Duijn

  2. Board of Procurators-General, Public Prosecutor’s Office, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Peter P. H. M. Klerks

Authors
  1. Paul A. C. Duijn
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  2. Peter P. H. M. Klerks
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Correspondence to Paul A. C. Duijn .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Anthony J. Masys

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Duijn, P.A.C., Klerks, P.P.H.M. (2014). Social Network Analysis Applied to Criminal Networks: Recent Developments in Dutch Law Enforcement. In: Masys, A. (eds) Networks and Network Analysis for Defence and Security. Lecture Notes in Social Networks. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04147-6_6

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