0
(0)

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.

Countries Are Now Using Criminals To Do Bad Things! 2024 - on SCARS Institute ScamsNOW.com - The Magazine of Scams Fraud and Cybercrime

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.

Please Rate This Article

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Since you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Please Leave Us Your Comment
Also, tell us of any topics we might have missed.

Leave a Reply

Your comments help the SCARS Institute better understand all scam victim/survivor experiences and improve our services and processes. Thank you

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.

Recent Reader Comments

Did you find this article useful?

If you did, please help the SCARS Institute to continue helping Scam Victims to become Survivors.

Your gift helps us continue our work and help more scam victims to find the path to recovery!

You can give at donate.AgainstScams.org

Important Information for New Scam Victims

If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org

If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

SCARS Resources:

PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
  • Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
  • Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
    Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

Opinions

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The author is solely responsible for the content of their work. SCARS is protected under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) section 230 from liability.

Disclaimer:

SCARS IS A DIGITAL PUBLISHER AND DOES NOT OFFER HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE, LEGAL ADVICE, FINANCIAL ADVICE, OR SERVICES THAT SCARS IS NOT LICENSED OR REGISTERED TO PERFORM.

IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICALLY RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTED ON OUR PAGES.

ALWAYS CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY FOR ANY ADVICE REGARDING LEGAL MATTERS.

A LICENSED FINANCIAL OR TAX PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES OR TAX-RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMATION.

SCARS IS NOT A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – WE DO NOT PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. ANY INVESTIGATIONS THAT SCARS MAY PERFORM IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED TO THIRD-PARTIES. INFORMATION REPORTED TO SCARS MAY BE FORWARDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS SCARS SEE FIT AND APPROPRIATE.

This content and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for licensed or regulated professional advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider, lawyer, financial, or tax professional with any questions you may have regarding the educational information contained herein. SCARS makes no guarantees about the efficacy of information described on or in SCARS’ Content. The information contained is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible situations or effects. SCARS does not recommend or endorse any specific professional or care provider, product, service, or other information that may be mentioned in SCARS’ websites, apps, and Content unless explicitly identified as such.

The disclaimers herein are provided on this page for ease of reference. These disclaimers supplement and are a part of SCARS’ website’s Terms of Use

Legal Notices: 

All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2023 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (Registered D.B.A SCARS) All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.

U.S. State of Florida Registration Nonprofit (Not for Profit) #N20000011978 [SCARS DBA Registered #G20000137918] – Learn more at www.AgainstScams.org

SCARS, SCARS|INTERNATIONAL, SCARS, SCARS|SUPPORT, SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|INTERNATION, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS|LATINOAMERICA, SCARS|MEMBER, SCARS|VOLUNTEER, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, SCARS ANGELS, SCARS RANGERS, SCARS MARSHALLS, SCARS PARTNERS, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Contact the legal department for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org