Digital Cartels: How Narco-Terrorists Leverage And Are Combated By AI
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 15
- 1 min read
Dr. Asmita Vaidya, Principal, Government Law College, Mumbai
Ms. Ashana Mishra, Research Scholar, Department of Law, University of Mumbai (Under the guidance of Dr. Asmita Vaidya)
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the rise of digital cartels, criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and terrorism that now use artificial intelligence and digital technologies to expand their reach. These organizations no longer rely only on physical violence or smuggling routes. Instead, they use encrypted apps to plan operations, drones to move drugs or carry out attacks, and cryptocurrency to hide money trails. Some even use artificial intelligence to analyse police patterns or manipulate social media to spread fear.
At the same time, governments and security agencies are also using AI to fight back. They use it to track online behaviour, monitor drone activity, follow money flows, and detect threats through data analysis. This has created a new kind of conflict, where both sides are using the same tools for opposite goals.
The study focuses on real-world cases, current technologies, and the risks of AI being used for harm. It also looks at the challenges law enforcement faces, such as protecting privacy while tracking criminals and keeping up with fast- changing digital tools. The paper argues that while AI offers powerful tools for safety, it can also be turned into a weapon by those who seek to do harm.
