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Evolution of a drug trafficking network: Mapping changes in network structure and function across time

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  • David A. Bright
  • Jordan J. Delaney

Abstract

There is a growing body of research using social network analysis to study criminal networks. The great majority of this research examines networks at a single time point. Although there are theoretical approaches which hypothesise on how criminal networks develop and grow, little empirical research has been conducted on the growth of criminal networks over time. This project documents the growth of a drug trafficking network. The aims were to examine and describe structural and functional changes in a criminal network across time. We found that the density of the network remained somewhat stable over time, although the network became more decentralised at the final time point measured. Centrality scores for individual nodes showed significant changes over time. Individuals changed the roles performed across time, consistent with the changing needs and focus of the network. Overall, our results support the characterisation of networks as flexible and adaptive.

Suggested Citation

  • David A. Bright & Jordan J. Delaney, 2013. "Evolution of a drug trafficking network: Mapping changes in network structure and function across time," Global Crime, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2-3), pages 238-260, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:fglcxx:v:14:y:2013:i:2-3:p:238-260
    DOI: 10.1080/17440572.2013.787927
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    Cited by:

    1. Slim, Sadri, 2015. "Un modelo Mundell-Fleming con economía ilegal y lavado de dinero [Modeling illegal economy and money laundering: a Mundell-Fleming framework]," MPRA Paper 64675, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Gloria Hongyee Chan & T. Wing Lo & Gabriel Kwun-Wa Lee & Cherry Hau-Lin Tam, 2020. "Social Capital and Social Networks of Hidden Drug Abuse in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Alice Airola & Martin Bouchard, 2020. "The Social Network Consequences of a Gang Murder Blowout," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-15, November.
    4. Szabolcs Mátyás & Endre Nyitrai, 2022. "Spatial Nature and Geographical Characteristics of Drug Crime in Hungary," Laws, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-15, December.
    5. David A. Bright & Catherine Greenhill & Alison Ritter & Carlo Morselli, 2015. "Networks within networks: using multiple link types to examine network structure and identify key actors in a drug trafficking operation," Global Crime, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(3), pages 219-237, July.
    6. Morgan Burcher & Chad Whelan, 2015. "Social network analysis and small group ‘dark’ networks: an analysis of the London bombers and the problem of ‘fuzzy’ boundaries," Global Crime, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(2), pages 104-122, April.

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