LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CYBER-ENABLED THEFT: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

this study examines the legal nature, regulatory mechanisms, and enforcement challenges of cyber-larceny within both national and international legal systems. As digital economies expand and cyber-enabled theft techniques grow increasingly sophisticated, traditional legal frameworks face significant difficulties in defining, classifying, and prosecuting offenses involving unauthorized access, digital asset misappropriation, and technologically mediated financial fraud. Through a combination of doctrinal legal analysis, comparative research, and examination of empirical data, the study identifies substantial discrepancies in the legal treatment of digital assets across jurisdictions as well as persistent obstacles related to digital evidence, attribution, and cross-border cooperation. The findings reveal that states equipped with specialized cybercrime units, advanced forensic capabilities, and harmonized regulatory standards demonstrate markedly stronger resilience against cyber-larceny. This study explores the evolving phenomenon of cyber-enabled theft, with particular emphasis on ransomware attacks, within the context of national and international legal systems. The rapid expansion of digital technologies and financial infrastructures has generated new forms of criminal activity that challenge traditional legal definitions, enforcement mechanisms, and jurisdictional boundaries. Through doctrinal legal analysis, comparative methodology, and empirical assessment, the research identifies critical gaps in the legal regulation of cyber-enabled property crimes, including inconsistencies in the recognition of digital assets, deficiencies in handling electronic evidence, and limitations in cross-border cooperation. The findings demonstrate that while certain jurisdictions have developed advanced legal and institutional frameworks—such as specialized cybercrime units, digital forensic systems, and harmonized legal standards—others remain vulnerable due to outdated legislation and limited technical capacity. The study concludes that strengthening legal definitions, enhancing international cooperation, and integrating technological innovation into legal systems are essential for effectively combating cyber-enabled theft and ensuring the resilience of digital economies.