For best experience please turn on javascript and use a modern browser!
You are using a browser that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade your browser. The site may not present itself correctly if you continue browsing.

Paul Duijn (Sep 2018 – Sep 2019)

Strategic Intelligence Analyst, Fiscal Intelligence and Investigations Service (FIOD)

My research

For several years now I work in-between the operational field in the law enforcement environment and the scientific research field within the academic environment. This twilight zone is where I obtain inspiration for relevant scientific research related to the complexity of criminal networks. Whereas my operational colleagues within law enforcement are more focussed at operational results, I have always been more interested in first finding answers to how professional criminals organise their networks, criminal activities, and their criminal infrastructures. With the knowledge I obtain from data-driven research, I support law enforcement decision makers with advice and direction.

Fellowship at the IAS (September 2018 – September 2019)

What is the complex adaptive reality behind organised crime networks and how can we anticipate to detect and disrupt them effectively?

The Netherlands provides an attractive environment for international organised crime activities. Law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands are therefore struggling with preventing organised crime networks from initiating acts of extreme violence and infiltrating economic sectors, critical infrastructures, local governments. Effective intervention strategies start with a good understanding of how these networks operate. A data-driven approach has proven to be effective in obtaining a better understanding of the complex and dynamic reality behind these networks, leading to strategic thinking about intelligence and intervention strategies (Duijn, 2016). However, more and richer data from law enforcement agencies have become available, including classified intelligence data on a national level. In addition, more open source data such as darkweb data provide unique empirical research opportunities that were previously out of reach for scientists. With this data and the multidisciplinary scientific knowledge at IAS, I am confident additional elementary research questions about the complexity of organised crime networks can be answered.

Current involvement with IAS

Paul Duijn is currently as an external researcher still affiliated to the IAS as part of the team working on Complexity & Resilience of Organised Crime Systems.