The number of users in “virtual worlds” or MMORPG’s has skyrocked in the past few years. Tens of millions of users “inhabit” these spaces and there is much criminal activity and disorder that goes on there. From simulated sex with child avatars, to financial fraud, money laundering and terrorist recruiting, virtual worlds are opening new opportunities for technologically savvy criminals. Does this constitute real crime or is it only virtual? Should the police and society at-large be concerned?
