Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Lecturer in the Intelligence Department of Imam Hassan Mujtaba Police Officer and Training University.
2
Assistant Professor of Information Science Department of Imam Hassan Mojtabi University of Officers and Police Training
3
PhD in Higher Education Management, Department of Educational Management, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Center Branch
4
Lecturer of the Scientific Information Department of Imam Hassan Mojtabi University of Officers and Police Training
Abstract
Background and Objective: Due to their surprising capabilities and features, social networks have provided the grounds for the ease of committing crimes, the transborderization of crimes, the reduction of the age of criminals, the extent of damage, and the abundance of victims, in addition to creating anonymity. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to investigate the factors affecting the purchase and sale of weapons and ammunition in the virtual social networks.
Research Method: In terms of implementation method, the present study first used the Delphi method and then used the survey method to confirm it. The statistical population of this study consists of 80 cyberspace experts in the field of law enforcement, who have the necessary knowledge in the field of virtual social networks and related crimes. The research collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was designed based on the theoretical foundations of the research and also conducting the Delphi method among some research samples after confirming its validity and reliability. It was subjected to statistical analysis.
Findings: Based on the research findings, the factors affecting arms and ammunition smuggling on social networks fall into six main factors: management factors, regulatory factors, political factors, cultural factors, economic factors, and legal factors with 43 indicators. Among them, based on the number of factors in each field, they are, respectively, management factors (9 indicators), cultural factors (8 indicators), political factors (5 indicators), economic factors (6 questions), regulatory factors (8 questions), and legal factors (6 questions).
Results: According to the research findings, to prevent the crime of arms smuggling on social networks, two levels can be taken to remove obstacles: First, with strategic and long-term measures through planning, policy-making, and decision-making at the national level, the aforementioned factors can be eliminated at their root to reduce this crime. Second, directly through positive or negative measures, quick-return measures can be organized independently and centrally to prevent the spread of the crime of smuggling and buying and selling weapons and ammunition on social networks.