Integrated Model of Cybercrime Dynamics: A Comprehensive Framework for Understanding Offending and Victimization in the Digital Realm

This article introduces the Integrated Model of Cybercrime Dynamics (IMCD), a novel theoretical framework for examining the complex interplay between individual characteristics, online behavior, environmental factors, and outcomes related to cybercrime offending and victimization. The model incorporates key concepts from existing theories, empirical evidence, and interdisciplinary perspectives to provide a comprehensive framework. In contrast to traditional criminological theories, the proposed model integrates concepts from multiple disciplines to offer a holistic framework that captures the complexity of cybercrime and specifically caters for the uniqueness of cyberspace. The article will provide a detailed overview of the conceptual model, its theoretical underpinnings drawing from criminology and victimology, empirical support for the key components and relationships. The article will conclude by discussing the significance of the IMCD for advancing cybercrime theory, guiding future research, informing prevention/intervention efforts, and ultimately combating the growing challenge of cybercrime in the digital age.