Crypto Is Reshaping Organized Retail Crime

Why it matters

Organized retail crime is no longer just physical theft. The real leverage now sits in how stolen goods are converted to cash and moved globally through cryptocurrency.

The big picture

International disputes lawyer Mahmoud Abuwasel argues that smash and grab is only the front end. The real sophistication is financial. Crypto allows syndicates to move profits across borders, fund operations, and scale faster than traditional banking systems would allow.

Where enforcement struggles

The biggest gap is jurisdiction. Technology and blockchain analytics are strong, but cross border legal coordination is slow. That delay gives criminals time to move funds again.

Bottom line

Follow the money. Disrupt the financial layer and you weaken the enterprise.