National Crime Agency says technology is resulting in an explosion of crime

The NCA names encryption, the dark web and VPNs as the biggest tech enablers of crime

The National Crime Agency has argued that encryption used in messaging apps and virtual private networks (VPNs) have facilitated a surge in crime.

In its latest serious and organised crime report, the NCA claims that the so-called dark web, encryption, virtual private networks and virtual currencies are facilitating crime.

They are giving criminals "fast, secure and anonymous operating environments" to conduct serious crime and avoid being caught by the authorities, it claimed.

The Agency adds that "technology will continue to transform the future crime landscape", particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and autonomous systems.

However, it believes that while these technologies will give crooks new avenues to commit crime, they could also be exploited by law enforcement agencies, too.

Overall, it highlights encryption and the dark web as the most lucrative technology tools for criminals.

The increasingly ubiquitous ‘by default' nature of these enabling technologies will continue to lower the barriers to entry for some types of cyber enabled crime, claimed the Agency.

"The rapid and often unpredictable nature of technological change and its subsequent application adds further layers of complication and uncertainty for developers, users and law enforcement. Some trends will be influenced by changing user behaviour rather than the technology itself."

According to the report, criminals are abusing these technologies and the impact of globalisation to "adapt their methods of committing crime".

Technology is also enabling criminals to operate as groups, networks and individuals, and to conduct child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), modern slavery, and organised immigration crime, the NCA claimed.

"The National Crime Agency leads the response to serious and organised crime in the UK, protecting the public and targeting the criminals who have the biggest impact," said NCA director general Lynne Owens.

"This year's assessment shows that organised crime groups (OCGs) are exploiting digital technology, for instance using encryption to communicate, and dark web market places to aid their activities."

She added: "Criminals are continuing to develop international connections to increase the reach of their activity, and to maximise profits. We are also seeing ever-increasing crossover between crime threats, with finance at the heart of this."

"The increasing sophistication of crime groups, coupled with the changing nature of their geographical reach, demonstrates more than ever the requirement for an increasingly co-ordinated response."