Podcast Narratives of Cybercrime Perpetration

The growth of the internet and cybertechnology has created the opportunity for new types of crime. Given the recency of these developments, little is known about cybercrime perpetration and there is scant existing data gathered from those who have perpetrated cybercrime. This project applied thematic analysis to 30 episodes of a popular podcast focused on cybercrime to explore pathways men take to committing and continuing to commit cybercrimes against networks and information, financial cybercrime, and sales of products on illegal online marketplaces. Findings suggest that podcast narratives of perpetration reveal shifting motivations, gradual immersion in online deviant and criminal communities, and evolving moral justifications for cybercriminal behaviors. Key themes that emerged include: the importance of access to criminogenic spaces and tools; peer influence in encouraging and reinforcing behaviors; the use of anonymity and operational security to compartmentalize identity and reduce risk; the pursuit of digital prestige and validation - often linked to masculinity; and the use of perceived victimization as a moral justification, often framed as responses to systemic injustices or emotional detachment. Although podcasts are curated platforms, future research should consider the use of podcasts as a valuable data source for accessing hard-to-reach or anonymized populations, particularly those involved in illicit or stigmatized behavior. Podcast interviews offer a unique lens into individuals’ self-narratives and provide an alternative to more traditional forms of data collection.