A mixed methods social network analysis of a cross-border drug network: the Fernando Sanchez organization (FSO)

Jones, Nathan P.; Dittmann, W. Layne; Wu, Jun; Reese, Tyler R.

doi:10.1007/s12117-018-9352-9

Cited by 17 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Given these limits, several scholars suggest to complement the quantitative tools of SNA with the qualitative instruments of ethnography. This opens the door to a set of methods and techniques known as network ethnography, as a way to study practices, norms and mechanisms of networks in greater depth (Berthod et al 2017;Edwards 2010;Jones et al 2018;Heath et al 2009;Coviello 2005). Thanks to the combination of SNA and network ethnography, it is possible firstly to map networks and secondly to explore the meaning of links, social norms and strategies (Edwards 2010).…”

Section: Methodological Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Working Paper 35: Social network analysis applied to illegal wildlife trade between East Africa and Southeast Asia

Costa

2021

Work. pap. ser. (Basel Inst. Gov.)

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This report presents the findings of a novel application of social network analysis (SNA) to study a criminal network surrounding an East Africa-based wildlife trafficker. This technique focuses on understanding structural, functional and sociometric characteristics of networks by mapping social interactions between individuals and groups. Particularly, the research studies how wildlife trafficking happens, and, in doing so, offers several promising avenues to curb it. SNA makes it possible to deconstruct the criminal network in question and identity its key individuals, operative functions and flows of goods, information and money. In turn, this can sustain the activities of investigators and prosecutors to discover new leads and suspects, or to better understand the meaning of financial and information flows. The research has been conducted under a project of PMI Impact aimed at stopping corruption from fuelling illegal wildlife trade (IWT) between East Africa and Southeast Asia. The results show that by combining SNA (a primarily quantitative method) with network ethnography (a qualitative method), we can gain important new insights into the structures, functions and mechanisms of crime networks engaged in IWT. This paper is part of the Basel Institute on Governance Working Paper Series, ISSN: 2624-9650. See also the abridged version. This report was funded by PMI IMPACT, a grant award initiative of Philip Morris International (PMI). In the performance of their research, the authors maintained full independence from PMI. The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of PMI. Neither PMI, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.

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Section: Methodological Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Working Paper 35: Social network analysis applied to illegal wildlife trade between East Africa and Southeast Asia

Costa

2021

Work. pap. ser. (Basel Inst. Gov.)

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“…• In turn, network ethnography has made in-depth diving into the mechanisms, strategies and norms that sustain the operations of the transnational network possible (Kenney & Coulthart, 2015). Specifically, network ethnography has focused on the roles of the public and private actors, as well as on the strategies applied to create, manage and exploit the financial infrastructures (Coviello, 2005;Heath et al 2009;Edwards, 2010;Berthod et al 2017;Jones et al 2018).…”

Section: Annex A: Methods and Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Working Paper 36: Revealing the networks behind corruption and money laundering schemes

Costa

2021

Work. pap. ser. (Basel Inst. Gov.)

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This working paper is based on an empirical investigation of corruption and illicit exchange related to the so-called “Lava Jato” or “Odebrecht” scandal. Focusing on former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo and his laundering of bribes obtained from the construction giant Odebrecht, the analysis aims to test the usefulness of applying a network lens to better understand the mechanisms underlying grand corruption cases. It also aims to further illuminate the nexus between corruption and money laundering and the role of hidden and offshore financial infrastructures in facilitating the illicit schemes. The research used a combination of social network analysis and network ethnography techniques to explore the following questions: How do money laundering activities and offshore financial infrastructures sustain corruption? Who are the key actors involved, how do they interact and what is their division of labour? How do actors and clusters govern the social-financial web of relations? Answering these questions with empirical evidence related to a specific case makes it possible to better understand how the connection between corruption and money laundering using offshore financial infrastructure works. It also supports the emerging understanding of corruption as a collective, transnational and financially advanced phenomenon.

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“…Four studies used qualitative data analysis like content or narrative analysis together with quantitative methods. However, the remaining four studies in this category lacked information on how qualitative data were analyzed; [52][53][54][55] instead, qualitative data like interviews and documents were used only descriptively to complement quantitative findings by citing interview excerpts or summarizing evidence from police files. Finally, one study used only qualitative analysis [56]; specifically, the authors qualitative content analysis to analyze data obtained through ethnographic observations, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.…”

Section: Summary Of Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sociometric network analysis in illicit drugs research: A scoping review

et al. 2023

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Background Sociometric or whole network analysis, a method used to analyze relational patterns among social actors, emphasizes the role of social structure in shaping behaviour. Such method has been applied to many aspects of illicit drug research, including in the areas of public health, epidemiology, and criminology. Previous reviews about social networks and drugs have lacked a focus on the use of sociometric network analysis for illicit drugs research across disciplines. The current scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the sociometric network analysis methods used in illicit drugs research and to assess how such methods could be used for future research. Methods A systematic search of six databases (Web of Science, ProQuest Sociology Collection, Political Science Complete, PubMed, Criminal Justice Abstracts, and PsycINFO) returned 72 relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria. To be included, studies had to mention illicit drugs and use whole social network analysis as one of their methods. Studies were summarized quantitatively and qualitatively using a data-charting form and a description of the studies’ main topics. Results Sociometric network analysis in illicit drugs research has grown in popularity in the last decade, using mostly descriptive network metrics, such as degree centrality (72.2%) and density (44.4%). Studies were found to belong to three study domains. The first, drug crimes investigated network resilience and collaboration patterns in drug trafficking networks. The second domain, public health, focused on the social networks and social support of people who use drugs. Finally, the third domain focused on the collaboration networks of policy, law enforcement, and service providers. Conclusion Future illicit drugs research using whole network SNA should include more diverse data sources and samples, incorporate mixed and qualitative methods, and apply social network analysis to study drug policy.

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A mixed methods social network analysis of a cross-border drug network: the Fernando Sanchez organization (FSO)

Cited by 17 publications

References 48 publications

Working Paper 35: Social network analysis applied to illegal wildlife trade between East Africa and Southeast Asia

Working Paper 35: Social network analysis applied to illegal wildlife trade between East Africa and Southeast Asia

Working Paper 36: Revealing the networks behind corruption and money laundering schemes

Sociometric network analysis in illicit drugs research: A scoping review

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