How Some Countries Use Organized Crime/Criminals for Bad Deeds – Such as Compromising Politicians, Killing Rivals and Outspoken Opponents
State Actors hiring organized crime criminals is not a new thing. Countries even hire cybercriminals to gain secrets from governments and individuals. Also historically criminals have been used for all manner of activities. During Queen Elizabeth I criminals became ‘Privateers’ to plunder the Spanish Gold Fleets for the benefit of England. But now we are seeing something a little different.
Some countries, like Iran and India, have started using criminals to do their dirty work including killing opponents. Could the Trump assassination attempt have been such an action?
Countries are hiring criminals, like gang members or other criminals, to do things that they don’t want to get caught doing. This can include interfering with other countries or even killing people.
There is even a hypothesis that scamming of individuals is being supported by the enemies of the West as a large-scale disruption tactic to siphon out large amounts of money and psychologically damage the general population. We see this is the strange relationship that China (PRC) has with some of the scam centers in Southeast Asia that it leaves alone, or the absence of real law enforcement efforts by the U.S. against West Africa. Much of what we see worldwide feels purposeful and beyond simple criminal behavior.
Throughout History
Throughout history, nations have often relied on criminals and unsavory individuals to carry out covert operations, influence foreign affairs, and achieve strategic goals. This practice allows governments to distance themselves from unethical or illegal activities, while still reaping the benefits. Below is a historical overview of how various countries have employed these methods.
Ancient and Medieval Periods
Assassins and Mercenaries: In ancient times, empires like Rome employed assassins and mercenaries for clandestine missions. These individuals were often tasked with eliminating political rivals or destabilizing enemy regions. The Sicarii, a Jewish extremist group during Roman times, used assassinations to oppose Roman occupation.
Privateers and Pirates: During the Age of Exploration and the early modern period, European powers, such as England, Spain, and France, authorized private individuals—known as privateers—to attack and plunder enemy ships. These privateers were essentially state-sanctioned pirates, allowed to keep a share of the loot. England’s Queen Elizabeth I famously used privateers like Sir Francis Drake to weaken Spanish maritime dominance.
18th and 19th Centuries
Revolutionary Agents: During the American Revolution, both the British and American sides employed spies and agitators to gather intelligence and disrupt enemy plans. Nathan Hale, an American spy, and Benedict Arnold, a turncoat who aided the British, are notable figures from this era.
The British Empire: In the 19th century, the British Empire utilized local criminal groups in its colonies, such as the Thugs in India, to maintain control and suppress uprisings. They sometimes hired criminals to do their bidding, furthering British interests through intimidation and violence.
20th Century
World Wars: During both World Wars, intelligence agencies used criminals for espionage and sabotage. In World War II, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) collaborated with criminal networks in occupied territories to disrupt Axis operations.
Cold War Espionage: The Cold War saw an escalation in the use of criminals and defectors by both the Soviet Union and the United States. The CIA, for instance, engaged with ex-Nazi scientists and war criminals during Operation Paperclip to gain an advantage in the arms race. The KGB used former criminals and dissidents as spies and informants.
Organized Crime and Proxy Wars: During the Cold War, countries often supported criminal organizations to achieve their geopolitical objectives. For instance, the CIA’s collaboration with the Italian Mafia in the 1940s and 1950s helped combat communist influence in Italy. Similarly, the Soviet Union supported various criminal and insurgent groups in the Third World to spread socialism and counter Western influence.
Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries
Iran-Contra Affair: In the 1980s, the United States engaged with unsavory individuals during the Iran-Contra affair. The Reagan administration secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, who were known for their brutal tactics and human rights abuses.
Cybercriminals and Hackers: In the digital age, state actors increasingly use cybercriminals to conduct espionage, sabotage, and misinformation campaigns. Countries like Russia, China, and North Korea have been accused of employing hacking groups to steal secrets, disrupt infrastructure, and interfere in foreign elections.
Modern-Day Proxy Warfare: Today, countries continue to use criminal organizations and unsavory individuals to carry out proxy wars and covert actions. For example, Iran has been linked to various militant groups and criminal networks in the Middle East, which it uses to exert influence and destabilize rival nations. Similarly, Russia has been accused of using criminal groups and private military contractors like the Wagner Group to pursue its interests in Ukraine and other regions.
The use of criminals and unsavory individuals by state actors is a long-standing practice in international relations. It allows governments to engage in activities that might be considered illegal or unethical, without direct attribution. This tactic provides plausible deniability, making it difficult for the international community to hold these states accountable. While this practice has evolved over the centuries, from using pirates and mercenaries to employing cybercriminals and private military contractors, its fundamental purpose remains the same: to achieve strategic objectives while maintaining a degree of separation from the actions undertaken.
What Is Foreign Interference?
Foreign interference is when one country tries to mess with another country’s politics, businesses, or society. They might try to spread lies, steal secrets, or cause trouble in other ways. Sometimes, they use criminals to help them because it’s harder to trace back to the country that hired them.
Criminal Organizations Involved
One of the groups involved in these activities is called BLACK AXE. BLACK AXE is a criminal organization that started in Nigeria. They are known for doing very bad things, like fraud and violence. Countries like Iran and India use groups like BLACK AXE to do illegal activities for them. Much of the data associated with specific criminal organizations is speculative but more is being uncovered almost daily.
Why Use Criminals?
Countries use criminals for these tasks because it provides them with cover. If the criminals get caught, it is difficult to prove that a country was behind the actions. This way, the countries can deny any involvement and avoid getting in trouble.
What Are Targeted Killings?
Targeted killings are when specific people are chosen to be killed because they are seen as threats. Countries like Iran and India might hire criminals to carry out these killings. This way, they don’t have to send their own soldiers or agents, which might be too risky.
Examples of these Activities
Recently, state actors have increasingly turned to organized criminals to conduct illicit activities that serve national interests. These activities range from silencing political opponents to hacking networks for sensitive information. Here are some notable examples:
Russia and Cybercriminals
Silencing Opponents: Russia has been accused of using criminal elements to silence opponents and dissenters. The most infamous example is the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, allegedly by operatives linked to Russian security services. Though not directly using organized criminals, the incident shows the extent to which state actors might go to silence critics.
Hacking and Cyber Espionage: Russia has also been implicated in using criminal hackers to infiltrate networks and steal information. The GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, has been linked to hacking groups like APT28 (Fancy Bear), which have carried out cyber attacks on Western institutions, including the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
North Korea and Cybercrime
Hacking for Financial Gain: North Korea has been linked to several high-profile cybercrimes aimed at generating revenue for the regime. The most notable example is the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which affected thousands of computers worldwide. The Lazarus Group, a hacking organization tied to North Korea, has also been implicated in cyber heists, including the theft of $81 million from Bangladesh’s central bank.
Iran and Proxy Groups
Targeted Killings: Iran has been known to use proxy groups and criminal elements to carry out targeted killings and other covert operations. For instance, the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah has been implicated in assassinations and attacks on foreign soil, including the 1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina.
Cyber Operations: Iranian hackers have also been linked to cyber attacks aimed at disrupting critical infrastructure and stealing sensitive information. In 2019, Iranian hackers were accused of targeting U.S. government officials and journalists in a phishing campaign.
China and Cyber Espionage
Hacking and Intellectual Property Theft: China has been widely accused of using state-backed hackers to steal intellectual property and sensitive data from other countries. Groups like APT10, also known as Stone Panda, have targeted industries ranging from aerospace to pharmaceuticals. The Chinese government is believed to sponsor these activities to advance its economic and military capabilities.
These examples highlight the growing trend of state actors using organized criminals and hacking groups to carry out activities that benefit their national interests while maintaining a degree of plausible deniability. This strategy not only aids in achieving specific objectives but also complicates international responses and accountability.
How Does This Affect Us?
This kind of behavior is dangerous because it creates more violence and crime. It also makes it harder for law enforcement to keep people safe because the criminals are being supported by powerful countries. It can cause fear and instability, making people feel unsafe.
What Can Be Done?
To stop this, countries around the world need to work together. They need to share information and find ways to catch the criminals and the people who hire them. By doing this, they can make it harder for countries to use criminal organizations for bad deeds.
In summary, some countries are using criminal groups like U.S. Gangs, MS13, BLACK AXE, and others to interfere with other nations and commit targeted killings. This makes the world a more dangerous place, and it’s important for everyone to work together and impress on our politicians to stop these activities.
ScamsNOW!
The SCARS Institute Magazine about Scam Victims-Survivors, Scams, Fraud & Cybercrime
Countries Are Now Using Criminals To Do Bad Things!
Many Countries Such As India and Iran Are Using Criminals to get Bad Things Done!
Primary Category: Editorial
Author:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Some countries, such as Iran and India, are increasingly using criminal organizations like BLACK AXE to conduct covert operations, including foreign interference, targeted killings, and other illegal activities.
This strategy allows these countries to deny involvement and avoid international repercussions. The use of criminals for such purposes dates back to historical practices, like privateering under Queen Elizabeth I, but has evolved to include modern-day cybercriminals and gangs.
This approach poses significant risks, increasing violence and instability while making it difficult for law enforcement to respond effectively. To counter these threats, global cooperation and strong political action are necessary to curb the misuse of criminal organizations for state-sponsored actions.
How Some Countries Use Organized Crime/Criminals for Bad Deeds – Such as Compromising Politicians, Killing Rivals and Outspoken Opponents
State Actors hiring organized crime criminals is not a new thing. Countries even hire cybercriminals to gain secrets from governments and individuals. Also historically criminals have been used for all manner of activities. During Queen Elizabeth I criminals became ‘Privateers’ to plunder the Spanish Gold Fleets for the benefit of England. But now we are seeing something a little different.
Some countries, like Iran and India, have started using criminals to do their dirty work including killing opponents. Could the Trump assassination attempt have been such an action?
Countries are hiring criminals, like gang members or other criminals, to do things that they don’t want to get caught doing. This can include interfering with other countries or even killing people.
There is even a hypothesis that scamming of individuals is being supported by the enemies of the West as a large-scale disruption tactic to siphon out large amounts of money and psychologically damage the general population. We see this is the strange relationship that China (PRC) has with some of the scam centers in Southeast Asia that it leaves alone, or the absence of real law enforcement efforts by the U.S. against West Africa. Much of what we see worldwide feels purposeful and beyond simple criminal behavior.
Throughout History
Throughout history, nations have often relied on criminals and unsavory individuals to carry out covert operations, influence foreign affairs, and achieve strategic goals. This practice allows governments to distance themselves from unethical or illegal activities, while still reaping the benefits. Below is a historical overview of how various countries have employed these methods.
Ancient and Medieval Periods
Assassins and Mercenaries: In ancient times, empires like Rome employed assassins and mercenaries for clandestine missions. These individuals were often tasked with eliminating political rivals or destabilizing enemy regions. The Sicarii, a Jewish extremist group during Roman times, used assassinations to oppose Roman occupation.
Privateers and Pirates: During the Age of Exploration and the early modern period, European powers, such as England, Spain, and France, authorized private individuals—known as privateers—to attack and plunder enemy ships. These privateers were essentially state-sanctioned pirates, allowed to keep a share of the loot. England’s Queen Elizabeth I famously used privateers like Sir Francis Drake to weaken Spanish maritime dominance.
18th and 19th Centuries
Revolutionary Agents: During the American Revolution, both the British and American sides employed spies and agitators to gather intelligence and disrupt enemy plans. Nathan Hale, an American spy, and Benedict Arnold, a turncoat who aided the British, are notable figures from this era.
The British Empire: In the 19th century, the British Empire utilized local criminal groups in its colonies, such as the Thugs in India, to maintain control and suppress uprisings. They sometimes hired criminals to do their bidding, furthering British interests through intimidation and violence.
20th Century
World Wars: During both World Wars, intelligence agencies used criminals for espionage and sabotage. In World War II, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) collaborated with criminal networks in occupied territories to disrupt Axis operations.
Cold War Espionage: The Cold War saw an escalation in the use of criminals and defectors by both the Soviet Union and the United States. The CIA, for instance, engaged with ex-Nazi scientists and war criminals during Operation Paperclip to gain an advantage in the arms race. The KGB used former criminals and dissidents as spies and informants.
Organized Crime and Proxy Wars: During the Cold War, countries often supported criminal organizations to achieve their geopolitical objectives. For instance, the CIA’s collaboration with the Italian Mafia in the 1940s and 1950s helped combat communist influence in Italy. Similarly, the Soviet Union supported various criminal and insurgent groups in the Third World to spread socialism and counter Western influence.
Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries
Iran-Contra Affair: In the 1980s, the United States engaged with unsavory individuals during the Iran-Contra affair. The Reagan administration secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, who were known for their brutal tactics and human rights abuses.
Cybercriminals and Hackers: In the digital age, state actors increasingly use cybercriminals to conduct espionage, sabotage, and misinformation campaigns. Countries like Russia, China, and North Korea have been accused of employing hacking groups to steal secrets, disrupt infrastructure, and interfere in foreign elections.
Modern-Day Proxy Warfare: Today, countries continue to use criminal organizations and unsavory individuals to carry out proxy wars and covert actions. For example, Iran has been linked to various militant groups and criminal networks in the Middle East, which it uses to exert influence and destabilize rival nations. Similarly, Russia has been accused of using criminal groups and private military contractors like the Wagner Group to pursue its interests in Ukraine and other regions.
The use of criminals and unsavory individuals by state actors is a long-standing practice in international relations. It allows governments to engage in activities that might be considered illegal or unethical, without direct attribution. This tactic provides plausible deniability, making it difficult for the international community to hold these states accountable. While this practice has evolved over the centuries, from using pirates and mercenaries to employing cybercriminals and private military contractors, its fundamental purpose remains the same: to achieve strategic objectives while maintaining a degree of separation from the actions undertaken.
What Is Foreign Interference?
Foreign interference is when one country tries to mess with another country’s politics, businesses, or society. They might try to spread lies, steal secrets, or cause trouble in other ways. Sometimes, they use criminals to help them because it’s harder to trace back to the country that hired them.
Criminal Organizations Involved
One of the groups involved in these activities is called BLACK AXE. BLACK AXE is a criminal organization that started in Nigeria. They are known for doing very bad things, like fraud and violence. Countries like Iran and India use groups like BLACK AXE to do illegal activities for them. Much of the data associated with specific criminal organizations is speculative but more is being uncovered almost daily.
Why Use Criminals?
Countries use criminals for these tasks because it provides them with cover. If the criminals get caught, it is difficult to prove that a country was behind the actions. This way, the countries can deny any involvement and avoid getting in trouble.
What Are Targeted Killings?
Targeted killings are when specific people are chosen to be killed because they are seen as threats. Countries like Iran and India might hire criminals to carry out these killings. This way, they don’t have to send their own soldiers or agents, which might be too risky.
Examples of these Activities
Recently, state actors have increasingly turned to organized criminals to conduct illicit activities that serve national interests. These activities range from silencing political opponents to hacking networks for sensitive information. Here are some notable examples:
Russia and Cybercriminals
Silencing Opponents: Russia has been accused of using criminal elements to silence opponents and dissenters. The most infamous example is the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, allegedly by operatives linked to Russian security services. Though not directly using organized criminals, the incident shows the extent to which state actors might go to silence critics.
Hacking and Cyber Espionage: Russia has also been implicated in using criminal hackers to infiltrate networks and steal information. The GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, has been linked to hacking groups like APT28 (Fancy Bear), which have carried out cyber attacks on Western institutions, including the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
North Korea and Cybercrime
Hacking for Financial Gain: North Korea has been linked to several high-profile cybercrimes aimed at generating revenue for the regime. The most notable example is the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which affected thousands of computers worldwide. The Lazarus Group, a hacking organization tied to North Korea, has also been implicated in cyber heists, including the theft of $81 million from Bangladesh’s central bank.
Iran and Proxy Groups
Targeted Killings: Iran has been known to use proxy groups and criminal elements to carry out targeted killings and other covert operations. For instance, the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah has been implicated in assassinations and attacks on foreign soil, including the 1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina.
Cyber Operations: Iranian hackers have also been linked to cyber attacks aimed at disrupting critical infrastructure and stealing sensitive information. In 2019, Iranian hackers were accused of targeting U.S. government officials and journalists in a phishing campaign.
China and Cyber Espionage
Hacking and Intellectual Property Theft: China has been widely accused of using state-backed hackers to steal intellectual property and sensitive data from other countries. Groups like APT10, also known as Stone Panda, have targeted industries ranging from aerospace to pharmaceuticals. The Chinese government is believed to sponsor these activities to advance its economic and military capabilities.
These examples highlight the growing trend of state actors using organized criminals and hacking groups to carry out activities that benefit their national interests while maintaining a degree of plausible deniability. This strategy not only aids in achieving specific objectives but also complicates international responses and accountability.
How Does This Affect Us?
This kind of behavior is dangerous because it creates more violence and crime. It also makes it harder for law enforcement to keep people safe because the criminals are being supported by powerful countries. It can cause fear and instability, making people feel unsafe.
What Can Be Done?
To stop this, countries around the world need to work together. They need to share information and find ways to catch the criminals and the people who hire them. By doing this, they can make it harder for countries to use criminal organizations for bad deeds.
In summary, some countries are using criminal groups like U.S. Gangs, MS13, BLACK AXE, and others to interfere with other nations and commit targeted killings. This makes the world a more dangerous place, and it’s important for everyone to work together and impress on our politicians to stop these activities.
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Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
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Post-Scam Depression – When Help Does Not Help – 2025
Trauma Bonding – Chaining the Scam Victims to the Criminals – 2025
Scam Victim Recovery Plateauing – There is Still More to Climb – 2025
Salience-Driven Attentional Capture and Sustained Elaboration – That Aha-Moment Scam Victims Experience – 2025
The Difference Between Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks for Scam Victims – 2025
Kaizen – Japanese Philosophy of ‘Good Change’ for Scam Victim Recovery – 2025
Introverts Differ from Extroverts in Recovery Programs – 2025
Jamais Vu and the Collapse of Reality: When You Realize It Was All a Scam – 2025
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