Illegal rural enterprise – developing a framework to help identify and investigate shadow infrastructures and illicit criminal networks
Policing: An International Journal
ISSN: 1363-951X
Article publication date: 12 February 2024
Issue publication date: 4 June 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study builds on the extant research of the authors on illegal rural enterprise (IRE). However, instead of taking a single or micro case approach within specific sections of the farming and food industries we examine the concept holistically from a macro case perspective. Many IRE crimes simply could not be committed without insider knowledge and complicity, making it essential to appreciate this when researching or investigating such crimes.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from published studies, we introduce the theoretical concept of “Shadow infrastructure” to analyse and explain the prevalence and endurance of such criminal enterprises. Using a multiple case approach, we examine data across the cases to provide an analysis of several industry wide crimes—the illicit halal meat trade; the theft of sheep; the theft of tractors and plant; and the supply of illicit veterinary medicines.
Findings
We examine IRE crimes across various sectors to identify commonalities in practice and in relation to business models drawing from a multidisciplinary literature spanning business and criminology. Such enterprises can be are inter-linked. We also provide suggestions on investigating such structures.
Practical implications
We identify academic and practical implications in relation to the investigation of IRE crime and from an academic perspective in relation to researching the phenomenon.
Originality/value
This study combines data from numerous individual studies from a macro perspective to provide practical solutions to a multifaceted problem.
Keywords
Citation
Smith, R. and McElwee, G. (2024), "Illegal rural enterprise – developing a framework to help identify and investigate shadow infrastructures and illicit criminal networks", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 47 No. 3, pp. 447-460. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-10-2023-0132
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited