Mark Button – Inside West Africa’s cybercrime ‘kingdoms’

Join Thomas for a revealing conversation with Professor Mark Button, Director of the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime at the University of Portsmouth, as they delve into the hidden world of global fraud and the rise of sophisticated scam networks across West Africa.

Drawing on years of frontline research, Mark unpacks how deep-rooted socio-economic challenges in countries like Nigeria and Ghana have given rise to sprawling cybercrime ecosystems – where young, tech-savvy individuals turn to fraud not out of greed, but as a means of survival and status. From romance scams to business email compromise, Mark reveals how these digital hustlers are trained in “hustle kingdoms” – underground schools where scamming is a craft, complete with rituals and hierarchy.

Together, they explore how these networks are generating tens of billions globally, the psychological toll on victims, and how emerging technologies – including AI – are making scams harder to detect. Mark also highlights what it will take to turn the tide: international cooperation, public education, and addressing the root causes that push young people into cybercrime in the first place.

Tune in for a gripping exploration of how fraud has gone global, why it’s thriving in unexpected places, and what must be done to stop it.