Problems of countering the shadow economy and ensuring socio-economic security

Ekaterina Pereverzeva; Vladimir Plotnikov

VAK Russia 5.2.3 UDC 330.3

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PROBLEMS OF COUNTERING THE SHADOW ECONOMY AND ENSURING SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECURITY Problems of countering the shadow economy and ensuring socio-economic security

АА Аа

Published in Economic policy and national security · Issue 2 · Pages 88–100 · Rubric: Countering the Shadow Economy as a Threat to National Security

Received: 11.09.2025 Accepted: 13.10.2025 Published: 21.11.2025 Language of publication: RUS

Authors

Ekaterina Pereverzeva

ORCID

Vladimir Plotnikov

ORCID

Ekaterina Pereverzeva

Academic degree: candidate of economic sciences

Saint Petersburg University of the MIA of Russia Deputy Head · Leningrad Regional Branch, Department of Socio-Economic and Humanitarian Disciplines · Russian Federation · Saint-Petersburg

ORCID

Vladimir Plotnikov

Academic degree: doctor of economic sciences

Science rang: professor

St. Petersburg State University of Economics Professor · Department of General Economic Theory and History of Economic Thought · Russian Federation · St. Petersburg

ORCID

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The escalating prevalence of cybercrime is significantly propelling the expansion of shadow economic activity. Digital technologies offer new opportunities for innovation and progress. However, they also create an environment that can facilitate various illicit forms of shadow activity. It is clear that a wide array of illegal activities, such as online fraud, phishing, identity theft, and intricate money laundering schemes, the trade of illicit goods and services via the dark web, can severely damage legitimate economic relations. The detrimental consequences of such criminal activities manifest across all levels of society, with individual citizens losing their savings, falling victim to fraudulent schemes, and their personal data can be exploited for illicit purposes. Business organisations face a variety of risks, including cyberattacks, extortion, and the leaking of confidential information. These risks can lead to bankruptcy and loss of competitiveness. On a macroeconomic scale, the growth of the shadow economy driven by cybercrime, leads to a reduction in tax revenues, distortion of market competition, increased social inequality, erosion of trust in financial institutions and destabilisation of the economy as a whole. The rapid evolution of financial technologies and the pervasive digitalisation of the economy have created a favourable environment for a significant rise in cybercrime, which, in turn, has facilitated the expansion of the shadow economy. Current legislative gaps impede the effective implementation of both proactive and adaptive strategies to counter these issues, which significantly adversely impacts on the country’s socio-economic security, undermining its stability and development. Methods. The methodological basis of this study was a comparative method, which determines the specifics of financial crimes related to the shadow economy and pinpoints of critical areas for combatting them. Results. To ensure a robust level of socio-economic security, a comprehensive strategy based on the use of advanced technologies is required. This approach will significantly improve the ability to detect and prevent tax evasion and financial crimes related to the shadow economy. The enhancement of collaboration between government agencies and businesses within this area will contribute to the sustainable development of the country’s economic system, thereby improving its economic and social security. International cooperation is essential for combatting cross-border financial crimes, including the laundering of illicit proceeds. This cooperation impedes the implementation of complex schemes aimed at evading countermeasures, thereby reinforcing global financial security.

KEYWORDS

shadow economy, cybercrime, artificial intelligence, financial crimes, financial chicanery, financial technologies, digital financial technologies, financial security, economic security, socio-economic security, tax evasion

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