The rapid expansion of digital technologies has transformed crime into new dimensions within virtual

growing number of studies, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding of research patterns,

collaboration networks, and thematic developments in this field. To address this gap, this study employs a

bibliometric analysis to systematically examine existing literature and uncover knowledge structures. Data

were collected using the Scopus database through an advanced search strategy, yielding a total of 1,068

documents relevant to the theme. The dataset was cleaned and harmonised using OpenRefine, followed by

statistical and graphical analyses conducted through the Scopus Analyzer. Furthermore, VOSviewer

software was employed to generate visualisation maps, including keyword co-occurrence networks, co-

participation from emerging economies is steadily increasing. These results provide empirical evidence of

the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of virtual world crime research, emphasising both technological

and socio-legal perspectives. In conclusion, this study enriches the body of knowledge by offering a

structured overview of global research trends, identifying thematic strengths and gaps, and providing

valuable insights for future scholarly directions, policymaking, and international collaboration in

combating crimes in the virtual world.

The advent of virtual worlds has revolutionised the way individuals interact, offering unprecedented

opportunities for socialisation, entertainment, and commerce. However, alongside these benefits, virtual worlds

not immune to criminal activities. Crimes in virtual worlds can mirror those in the real world, including theft,

fraud, and even more severe offenses like virtual rape, espionage and murder [1], [2], [3], [4]. The anonymity

and lack of physical presence in virtual worlds can embolden individuals to engage in behaviors they might

avoid in real life, leading to a unique set of challenges for law enforcement and legal systems [5], [6], [7].

One of the primary concerns in virtual worlds is the rise of cybercrime. As more individuals and businesses

engage in virtual environments, the potential for cybercrime increases. Cybercrimes in virtual worlds can include

virtual theft, fraud, privacy violations, and hacking [8], [9], [10]. These crimes can have real-world implications,

as virtual property often holds significant monetary value, and the theft of such property can result in substantial

financial losses for victims. Additionally, the lack of clear legal frameworks and regulations in virtual worlds

complicates the prosecution and prevention of these crimes [2], [11], [12].

Law enforcement faces significant challenges in addressing crimes in virtual worlds. Traditional methods of

investigation and prosecution may not be effective in these environments, necessitating new approaches and

legal frameworks. For example, undercover operations in virtual worlds require adaptations to existing legal

procedures to balance the need for effective investigations with the protection of individuals' rights to privacy

and fair trial. Additionally, the global nature of virtual worlds complicates jurisdictional issues, as crimes can be

committed across international borders, further challenging law enforcement efforts [12], [17].

Accordingly, crimes in virtual worlds present a complex and evolving challenge for law enforcement, legal

systems, and society as a whole. The anonymity and lack of physical presence in these environments can lead to

a range of criminal activities, from virtual theft and fraud to more severe offenses like virtual rape and murder.

The psychological impact on victims can be profound, necessitating effective prevention and intervention

Figure 1. Key concepts generated on crimes in the virtual world

Figure 1 illustrates a concept map that comprises four main themes supported by sixteen condensed concepts,

each chosen to capture the essential dynamics of contemporary virtual crimes shaped by artificial intelligence

and blockchain technologies. The first theme on types of cybercrime highlights core offence patterns, including

AI identity fraud, automated cyberbullying, blockchain financial scams, and smart-contract exploits, reflecting

the technological drivers behind modern illicit activity. The second theme focuses on societal impacts,

addressing how AI misinformation, algorithmic deviant behaviour, crypto-related losses, and digital trust erosion

collectively undermine social stability and economic resilience. The third theme outlines the legal framework,

emphasising the necessity of regulating AI content, ensuring blockchain evidence admissibility, strengthening

cross-border enforcement mechanisms, and advancing coherent cybercrime governance standards. The final

theme concerns prevention and education, underscoring the importance of AI threat detection, blockchain-based

identity security, digital literacy programmes, and improved law-enforcement training. Together, these themes

and concepts present a structured rationale for understanding the evolving landscape of virtual crimes,

demonstrating the interplay between emerging technologies, their misuse, and the corresponding regulatory and

crimes. By doing so, we can ensure that the benefits of virtual worlds are maximised while minimising the risks

RQ1: What are the research trends of crimes in the virtual world according to the year of publication?

RQ2: What are the top 10 cited articles of crimes in the virtual world?

RQ3: Which are the top 10 countries on crimes in the virtual world based on number of publication?

RQ4: What are the popular keywords related to crimes in the virtual world?

RQ5: What are co-authorship by countries’ collaboration of crimes in the virtual world?

Bibliometrics constitutes a systematic approach to the collection, organisation, and evaluation of bibliographic

the present study concentrated on high-impact publications, recognising their pivotal role in illuminating the

theoretical foundations that underpin the field. To ensure reliability and precision, SCOPUS was employed as

the principal data source [23], [24], [25]. given its extensive coverage and established credibility in scholarly

research. Accordingly, publications indexed in Elsevier’s Scopus database from 2010 through 2025 were

systematically retrieved and analysed.

For this study, the Scopus database was selected as the principal source of data collection due to its broad

disciplinary coverage, reliable indexing of peer-reviewed materials, and established credibility in bibliometric

research. To ensure accuracy and relevance, the advanced search function in Scopus was employed, using the

cyber OR online ) ) AND PUBYEAR > 2009 AND PUBYEAR < 2026 AND ( LIMIT-TO ( LANGUAGE ,

"English" ) ). This query was specifically designed to capture publications focusing on crimes in relation to

technological, cyber, virtual, online, and cloud-based contexts, with the initial number of documents to be 1,348.

To maintain temporal relevance, the search was restricted to publications appearing between 2010 and 2025, a

period that corresponds with the rapid proliferation of cloud technologies, digital platforms, and cyber

environments that have redefined both the nature of criminal activity and scholarly inquiry.

parameters allowed English-language works published within 2010–2025 that addressed crime in

supported by well-defined screening criteria, the study constructed a robust bibliometric dataset that balances

breadth with precision.

Table 2.

The selection criterion of searching

> 2025

dynamics of scholarly communication. Continuous updates and methodological refinements further enhance its

analytical robustness, ensuring that both novice and advanced researchers can engage effectively with large-

scale bibliometric datasets. The software’s capacity to compute a wide range of metrics, customise visual

outputs, and integrate seamlessly with multiple bibliometric data sources positions VOSviewer as an

indispensable tool for advancing knowledge mapping and research evaluation.

A distinctive strength of VOSviewer lies in its ability to transform highly intricate bibliometric datasets into

visually interpretable maps and charts, enabling the detection of keyword co-occurrence patterns, thematic

clusters, and citation linkages. Unlike traditional bibliometric software, VOSviewer combines methodological

rigor with accessibility, thus broadening its applicability across disciplinary boundaries. Its adaptability,

combined with a focus on network visualisation and density mapping, ensures that research landscapes are

represented with precision and analytical clarity. The sustained development of VOSviewer has secured its

position at the forefront of bibliometric analysis, with customisable functionalities that provide scholars with

both depth and flexibility in exploring research frontiers.

normalisation technique for co-occurrence frequencies, namely the association strength (ASij), which is

In the early years, research output was relatively low, with fewer than 40 documents annually between 2010 and

2012. A slight increase began in 2013 (41 documents), followed by a notable jump in 2014 (59 documents),

reflecting the growing recognition of cybercrime as a global issue. However, this momentum temporarily slowed

in 2015 (41 documents) before picking up again from 2016 onwards. By 2017, publications had risen to 82, and

the output surged further in 2019, reaching 102 documents, this is a clear indication of the field’s growing

importance. While there were dips in 2018 (70 documents) and 2020 (78 documents), the broader trend reflects

consistent academic interest, culminating in the peak of 105 publications in 2023.

incidents, which likely spurred scholarly research. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 heightened

digital dependency, encouraging studies on vulnerabilities in online platforms, which explains the sustained high

The bibliometric data shows that India (203), the United States (178), and the United Kingdom (155) dominate

research output on crimes in the virtual world, significantly outpacing other countries. This trend reflects not

only the academic capacity and research culture of these nations but also the pressing relevance of cybercrime

in their contexts. India’s lead can be attributed to its rapidly growing digital economy, high internet penetration,