POST-CLASSICAL CRIME ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISM: STRATEGIES FOR LEGITIMIZING CRIME THROUGH RELIGION

Social media and evolving communication technologies have precipitated changes across various aspects of life, including the transformation of criminal organizations and their illicit activities. This study examines the efforts of post-classical criminal organizations, which employ methodologies akin to terrorist groups, to legitimize their criminal actions through social media activism, utilizing religious symbols and narratives. The X platform was selected as the research domain, and the social media posts of organization members, particularly their hashtag activism, were subjected to thematic content analysis and social network analysis. Additionally, the organization's websites, television programs, and print publications were examined to gather comprehensive information. The analyses revealed that organization members attempted to create an impression of being a religious community with a sanctified leader by employing popular religious narratives and symbols. This strategy aimed to establish legitimacy in the public eye, thereby concealing their criminal activities.