Crime in the 'Untact' Era... Intelligence, Cyber, and Drug Crime Alerts for Next Year

Key Keywords COVID-19·Science and Technology
Traditional Crimes Such as Theft and Violence Expected to Decrease

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The changes in crime patterns due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are expected to continue into next year. While traditional crimes such as robbery, theft, violence, and traffic offenses are decreasing, 'contactless (untact) crimes' such as intelligent, cyber, and drug-related crimes using the internet are increasing, requiring special attention.

On the 31st, the Police University Institute of Police Policy Research selected 'COVID-19' and 'science and technology' as the main keywords for next year's policing activity outlook in its 'Policing Network 2021' report. The institute predicted that the total volume of crimes next year will decrease due to the contraction of social activities caused by COVID-19. In fact, the number of 112 emergency calls from January to October this year was 15.52 million, which is more than 440,000 fewer than the same period last year. A police official explained, "Due to the nationwide spread of COVID-19, strong social distancing measures were implemented, and as people refrained from going out, the demand for policing temporarily decreased." The institute identified robbery, theft, violence, and traffic crimes as types of crimes expected to decrease due to reduced face-to-face contact and decreased mobility.

Conversely, intelligent crimes such as phishing and fraud, which are untact crimes, are expected to increase. The total number of intelligent crimes this year increased by 13.8% compared to the previous year. In particular, fraud increased by 15.6%. The report analyzed, "If economic power weakens due to unemployment, individuals are more likely to fall into the temptation of participating in intelligent crimes or fraudulent investments," adding, "There is a high possibility of an increase in intelligent crimes that can be committed through non-contact methods."

The report also expressed concern about the worsening of drug-related crimes. Although drug crimes this year increased by only 1.6% compared to last year, drug use offenders alone increased by 22.3%. While suppliers decreased, the distribution of drugs through covert channels using the deep web and virtual currencies has increased. Additionally, the report pointed out that the spread of 'COVID blues' and increased internet usage have expanded access to drug distribution routes.

Cybercrimes, which have noticeably increased during the COVID-19 pandemic phase, are expected to continue next year. From January to September this year, cybercrimes increased by 29.5% compared to the same period last year. In particular, 'messenger phishing,' which impersonates acquaintances on messengers such as KakaoTalk, has greatly increased, replacing traditional telephone financial fraud (voice phishing). Especially with the advancement of science and technology, new methods using artificial intelligence (AI) programs may emerge, requiring countermeasures. A police official stated, "We need to observe how stress and suppressed desires caused by COVID-19 will be expressed," and explained, "The key issue for next year's crime levels is how to control crimes that increase during economic downturns."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.