In the intricate game of cat and mouse played between law enforcement and criminal organizations, the latter often seem to have the upper hand. These groups, including terrorist networks, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using dual-use technologies to disguise their illicit activities.
According to Moody’s, this evolution in crime has resulted in a new landscape where these actors can execute their plans with alarming speed and precision.
However, not all is lost for investigators. One significant yet often underappreciated tool at their disposal is business activity intelligence (BizINT). Every individual and entity leaves behind digital footprints through their interactions with commercial systems—whether through professional engagements or everyday commercial activities. These traces, while mundane, form the backbone of BizINT, offering a goldmine of data for those looking to uncover and understand criminal behavior.
The insights derived from BizINT are invaluable across various domains of crime. From financial frauds like money laundering to more tangible crimes such as drug trafficking and terrorism, the intelligence gathered can shed light on identities, connections, and even the methods criminals might employ. By analyzing these data points, investigators can establish patterns and trends, significantly enhancing their ability to predict and prevent criminal activities.
BizINT effectively addresses what are known as the “four Cs” of bad actor behaviors: control, concealment, circumvent, and conduit. Each of these categories represents different strategies employed by criminals to manipulate, hide, or bypass the legal and economic frameworks designed to prevent crime. For instance, control involves taking over business operations to achieve nefarious goals, while concealment focuses on hiding one’s true identity or intentions.
Looking forward, the potential for BizINT is bound to expand, particularly with the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). This technology promises to revolutionize the way data is processed and analyzed, enabling more sophisticated and proactive approaches to crime fighting. GenAI can enhance the predictive capabilities of law enforcement, identify anomalies, and even assist in translating data across different languages and formats, further broadening the scope of BizINT.
As the battle against organized crime and national security threats intensifies, BizINT stands out as a critical tool in the investigator’s arsenal. With ongoing technological advancements, particularly in AI, law enforcement agencies are better equipped than ever to stay ahead of criminals in this perpetual race.
Keep up with all the latest RegTech news here.
Copyright © 2025 RegTech Analyst
Copyright © 2018 RegTech Analyst
