Subjects of criminal offenses in the context of globalization: challenges and new approaches

• Published in: Науковий вісник Ужгородського національного університету. Серія Право Vol. 3; no. 88; pp. 136 - 141
• Main Author: Zhdanova, A. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 26.05.2025
• ISSN: 2307-3322; 2664-6153
• DOI: 10.24144/2307-3322.2025.88.3.20

The article examines issues related to the impact of globalization on the formation of new subjects of criminal offenses. Globalization, as an all-encompassing process affecting economic, political, social, and legal aspects, significantly influences criminal law, particularly in defining the subjects of offenses arising from technological, economic, and global changes. The author argues that changes in the global order, such as the development of multinational corporations, the evolution of emerging technologies, and active market integration, contribute to the emergence of new types of offenders, among which legal entities, cybercriminals, and subjects related to the use of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies are particularly notable. The article emphasizes the expansion of criminal liability for legal entities, which, due to violations of legislation or lack of proper control, can become involved in criminal activities. This is supported by examples from European legislation, which requires companies to monitor internal processes related to corruption and strengthens the responsibility of financial institutions through large fines for money laundering. Another important aspect is the development of technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which raises questions about responsibility for offenses committed by autonomous systems. The author provides examples of European legislation regulating the liability for the use of autonomous vehicles and other technologies. The article also addresses the issue of cybercrime, which is rapidly developing in the digital era, and legislative initiatives to combat such criminal actors, including EU efforts to criminalize cybercrime and protect personal data through GDPR. Particular attention is given to the new challenges arising from the development of cryptocurrencies, such as financial fraud and certain grey-market schemes. The author presents the case of the popular platform BitConnect, which became the subject of lawsuits due to cryptocurrency fraud. The article underscores the importance of adapting national legal systems to these new forms of criminal activity, as globalization forces laws to be constantly updated. Overall, the author believes that globalization demands constant adaptation of legal systems, particularly in terms of defining new subjects of criminal offenses. The article concludes that effective legal frameworks in a globalized world are possible only through the interaction of national and international legal systems, allowing for timely responses to new challenges in criminal law.